Tonight’s Concert sponsored by:
Richard and Andrea Gibb

Carmon DeLeone sponsored by:
Dr. Charles Amenta, Linda D. and Craig C. Grannon, 
Dr. & Mrs. Mel Muchnik, Kathleen Field Orr, Mr. & Mrs. Donald Ransford, 
Marilynn Tannebaum, Mr. & Mrs. Bruce Werth

Michael Chertock sponsored by

IPO acknowledges support from

Opening Act Lobby Performers
Rich Township HS Jazz Combo. Rich Township High School, Rich Township District 227
Contact: Mr. Phillip Crews and Mr. Benjamin Bird - Band Directors / pcrews@rich227.org

2024 Ruth D. and Ken M. Davee Excellence in the Arts Award Honoring Classical Music Chicago

Tonight, Classical Music Chicago will receive IPO’s Ruth D. and Ken M. Davee Excellence in the Arts Award, an honor bestowed periodically to honor an individual, group, or organization whose exceptional commitment, vision, leadership, and achievements have resulted in major contributions to the arts and music. This is the most prestigious award given by the orchestra.

For over 50 years, Classical Music Chicago has continued to look for surprising ways to support emerging artists and fresh classical 
music experiences.

Formerly the International Music Foundation, Classical Music Chicago was founded in 1976 by Chicagoan Al Booth and his vision to turn Handel's Messiah into classical Karaoke as the Do-It-Yourself Messiah. The format was inspired by his experience of a sing-along Messiah in a parish church in Bromley, Kent; by the lunchtime concerts at the Bishopsgate Library in London; and by the National Gallery concerts given by Myra Hess in World War II London. He was determined to create similar events in Chicago — organizing the first Do-It-Yourself Messiah at Orchestra Hall in 1976 and the first Dame Myra Hess Memorial concert at the Chicago Cultural Center in 1977. The latter was added to provide performance opportunities for emerging musicians early in their professional careers and as a ‘lunchbreak for the soul’ for the public. With the help of his friend Yehudi Menuhin, he founded Live Music Now! in Chicago to bring professional musicians into the Chicago Public Schools. Live Music Now! (currently known as Young People's Concerts) for students in grades K – 8 has grown to reach more than 90 Chicago Public Schools annually.

In October 2016, the International Music Foundation and Rush Hour Concerts (RHC), two premier classical music presenters in Chicago, came together in a merged organization. Rush Hour Concerts, founded by pianist and civic leader Deborah Sobol in 2000 originated as a summer concert series at St. James Cathedral. In 2011, Make Music Chicago, a citywide, daylong celebration of music making on the summer solstice, June 21, was added, followed by the addition of a professional ensemble residency program in Chicago’s neighborhoods in 2012.

In 2022, International Music Foundation was rebranded Classical Music Chicago, ushering in a new era of bringing classical music, to Chicago and beyond.

IPO is honored to bestow this award to such an esteemed leader in the world of performing arts. Learn more about CMC at ClassicalMusicChicago.org.

Ruth Davee was a long-time benefactor of IPO who enjoyed a close relationship with the orchestra. We are pleased to honor exemplary arts leaders with the Ruth D. and Ken M. Davee Excellence in the Arts Award in recognition of The Davee Foundation's immense impact on IPO.