Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra Brings Young Steinway Artist Thomas Ridgway to the Stage

On Saturday, January 18, at 8pm at the Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra launches its new series, IPO Presents, with a piano recital featuring Young Steinway Artist and Southland native Thomas Ridgway. Ridgway has twice been a featured performer on the IPO’s  popular “Rising Star” showcase.

“When he first came to us (through the Rising Star audition process), he had never performed before,” explained IPO Board member and Rising Star organizer Dory Machtinger. “But he so stunned the audience that we took him again the second year. He was just extraordinary.”

For his Presents debut, Ridgway will perform works by Beethoven, Rachmaninoff and Chopin, along with the world premiere of Homeplace – I. Gladioli, a piece written for Ridgway by award-winning American composer Shelby Flowers. For the second half, Ridgway will be accompanied by a trio of IPO principal string musicians for a performance of Brahms’ G minor piano quartet. A post-concert conversation with Ridgway and IPO Executive Director Andrew Bradford follows.

“The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra is an invaluable asset to the arts and community of Chicago’s Southland,” Ridgway shared. “I’m excited for the opportunity to perform as part of their new ‘IPO Presents’ series.”

Ridgway, a Shorewood native, has been featured on WFMT’s Introductions program as a soloist and is the winner of multiple concerto competitions. He is a sophomore piano performance major at the Blair School of Music, Vanderbilt University, where he studies with Dr. Craig Nies.

Tickets are available online at ipomusic.org or by calling the box office at 708-481-7774. As always, Lincoln-Way High School students can pick up a complimentary ticket the night of the performance if seats are available. Children 12 and under are $5 with an adult ticket purchase.
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About the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra:

The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra is one of the finest orchestras in the Great Lakes region.  Under the leadership of acclaimed Austrian Music Director, David Danzmayr, the orchestra has garnered critical acclaim for its compelling performances and commitment to American music.  During the 2013 – 14 Season, the Orchestra will perform at its home, the Lincoln-Way North Performing Arts Center, and will also make debuts at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park in downtown Chicago, and the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet.  More information on performances and events can be found at ipomusic.org. 

The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra is generously supported by Season Sponsor, BMO Harris Bank.

The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra is a member of the League of American Orchestras and the Illinois Council of Orchestras.