Guests Enjoy Music Institute's 87th Anniversary Gala

The Music Institute of Chicago, one of the nation's oldest, largest and most distinguished community music schools, welcomed nearly 300 guests to the 87th Anniversary Gala on Monday, May 15 at the Four Seasons Hotel, Chicago. The event raised $800,000 from a combination of table sponsorships, ticket sales, and outright contributions.

The evening included a cocktail reception, followed by an elegant dinner and awards presentation. Musical performances took place throughout the evening, representing every area of the Music Institute. Highlights included young musicians from the Community Music School; award-winning students from the renowned Academy, a training center for gifted pre-college musicians; and young students from the Music Institute ArtsLink outreach programs, including performances by students from Joseph Lovett Elementary School and Third Coast Suzuki Strings, a violin program on the Northwest Side of Chicago operated in collaboration with the McCormick-Tribune YMCA.

Guests enjoyed a welcome greeting recorded by renowned opera singer, soprano, and Gala Honorary Chair Renée Fleming. Not once but twice, Dushkin Award recipient Rachel Barton Pine graciously surprised guests with performances alongside Music Institute students, performing Frideric Handel's Bourrée in G Major at the beginning of the evening and closing the event with Vittorio Monti's Czárdás.

The prestigious Dushkin Award, established 30 years ago and named for the Music Institute's visionary founders, Dorothy and David Dushkin, recognizes international luminaries in the world of music for their contributions to the art form, as well as to the education of youth. This year's recipient, Rachel Barton Pine, is an internationally admired concert violinist, recording artist, educator, and philanthropist. She has appeared around the globe and created 30 albums on major labels. Having studied at the Music Institute with the legendary Almita and Roland Vamos, Pine is committed to encouraging the next generation to experience the transformative power of the arts through her Rachel Barton Pine Foundation. She is a Life Trustee of the Music Institute of Chicago, which named the "Rachel Barton Pine Violin Chair" in her honor. The Music Institute presented its eighth annual Cultural Visionary Award for Chicago, which recognizes individuals who have provided visionary philanthropic and civic leadership for the broad spectrum of arts in Chicago and Illinois, to Susan and Richard (in memory) Kiphart. Susan "Susie" Kiphart has always been involved in music education, serving at the Ryan Opera Center and on WFMT's Radio Committee. Richard "Dick" Kiphart established deep roots in Chicago's civic community, providing board leadership for such organizations as Lyric Opera of Chicago, Columbia College Chicago, Erikson Institute, Merit School of Music, and the Poetry Foundation. Both the Kipharts served on the board of the Interfaith Youth Core, supporting global health initiatives. Before presenting the Cultural Visionary Award for Chicago, Music Institute President and CEO Mark George Read a personal letter from Bono of the band U2 thanking the Kipharts for their significant contributions in Africa and their tremendous philanthropic and civic legacy.

In addition, the Music Institute acknowledged the 41-year legacy of Piano Department Chair Elaine Felder with the Richard D. Colburn Award for Teaching Excellence, an annual award to faculty members who exemplify the high standard of excellence Colburn demonstrated in his many musical endeavors.

Honorary Chairs for the Gala were Renée Fleming, Alexandra and John Nichols, and Lois M. and Harrison I. Steans. Gala Co-chairs were Renée and Lester Crown, Jim and Kay Mabie, and Cathy and Bill Osborn. The generosity of individuals and companies who support the Music Institute's annual gala provide the primary source of scholarship and financial aid programs at the Music Institute's eight primary campuses, as well as through its extensive outreach programs in Chicago Public Schools and with community-based nonprofit organizations, which benefit more than 6,500 students annually.

Music Institute of Chicago
The Music Institute of Chicago is dedicated to transforming lives through music education. Founded in 1931, the Music Institute has grown to become one of the largest and most respected community music schools in the nation. Offering musical excellence built on the strength of its distinguished faculty, commitment to quality, and breadth of programs and services, the Music Institute is a member of the National Guild for Community Arts Education and accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Pre-collegiate Arts Schools (ACCPAS). Each year, the Music Institute's teachers reach thousands of students of all ages and levels of experience. Music Institute locations include Chicago, Evanston, Winnetka, Lincolnshire, Lake Forest, and Downers Grove. In addition, the Music Institute is proud of its longstanding partnership with the Chicago Public Schools through its ArtsLink program. The Music Institute offers lessons, classes, and concerts through its Community Music School, Academy, and Nichols Concert Hall.

For information, visit musicinst.org.


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