SouthScene

McGuinn, Yarrow and Stookey, Artists, Authors, IPO, Improv Take Southland on Eclectic Rides

Authors Royko in Orland Park, Renje in Tinley Park and Berry in Evergreen Park reveal compelling fact and fiction in their novels at free library events.

Legendary 1960s rock icon, original member of the Byrds and native Chicagoan Roger McGuinn returns to Beverly Arts Center for what promises to be a great evening of song and talk. No doubt, McGuinn will, as in the past, sing classic Byrds favorites including “Mr. Tambourine Man” and “Turn! Turn! Turn!” An extraordinary guitarist, count on McGuinn for some show-and-tell about his self-designed seven-string guitar, famous for the opening chords in the two songs mentioned above and for sounds few guitarists can create on standard instruments.  With his still classic voice that could melt icicles, McGuinn, approaching 70, remains the consummate entertainer. When: 8 p.m., June 3 Where: Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., Chicago (southwest …

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Bernstein, Gershwin Headline IPO Season Finale

Maestro Carmon DeLeone selects American legends for his final program as Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra music director.

When Maestro Carmon DeLeone steps onstage Saturday in Frankfort, no doubt to roaring applause, he will take the baton for his final concert as Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra music director (See DeLeone Dazzles for 25 years). The 25 years with Carmon program also closes an extraordinary 2010-2011 IPO performance season. An acclaimed contemporary artist himself, it seems appropriate DeLeone has selected works by two American composers of epic fame, Leonard Bernstein (1918-1990) and George Gershwin (1898-1937), to end his IPO tenure. A look at the program reads like a musical map as selections from Bernstein’s Candide open and close the program. However, when DeLeone explains how the concert evolved, his plan does not unfold in a linear …

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DeLeone dazzles IPO Audiences and Musicians for 25 Years

Musicians and administrators reflect on departing music director's enthusiasm, diverse talents and passion for music extend that reach 'across proscenium.'

When Maestro Carmon DeLeone walks on stage, his smile immediately conveys warmth and a soulful passion for the orchestra and music. DeLeone’s presence strikes a powerful note. “Carmon’s enthusiasm for and love of the music he selects is contagious and he is able to communicate that with audiences, across the proscenium,” said Jacqueline Bonavia, former executive director of the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra where DeLeone has served as music director for 25 years. An Ohio native, DeLeone also holds lengthy tenures with the Cincinnati Ballet and Middletown Symphony. His extensive list of accomplishments and performances would be the envy of any anyone aspiring to reach his heights. This weekend, DeLeone, 68, will take the IPO podium for …

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Behind the Scenes on Choosing a New IPO Music Director

We talk to Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra officials about what they're looking for in the ideal successor to pick up the baton after Carmon DeLeone.

After 25 years with Maestro Carmon DeLeone in charge of virtually all things music, the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra continues its focus on selecting a new music director. The IPO Board will announce its decision in May 2012 from a pool of seven finalists that were revealed last week. Although much of the selection committee and board’s audition work is complete, the toughest part remains, officials say. In May 2010, DeLeone, 68, announced his decision to step down as music director at the end of 2010-2011 season. However, he will conduct several special IPO events next year. Once word spread about the opening, applications came in from around the world. The board requested CDs and DVDs of rehearsals and concerts from each applicant. “…

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IPO Names Interim Executive Director

The Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra board taps Linda Veleckis Nussbaum, a longtime musician with a business background, to step in to position.

When the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra’s executive director last month announced his unexpected and imminent departure for the West Coast, symphony Board members had to act quickly. And they did. Orchestra officials tapped one of their own--IPO principal second violin Linda Veleckis Nussbaum--to step in as interim executive director when Edmund Feingold leaves Feb. 15 for a position with the Monterey (Calif.) Orchestra. “Linda was our consensus candidate,” Dr. Charles Amenta, IPO board president, said Tuesday. “The IPO is delighted to have her in a leadership role. Her orchestral management experience and educational background in business give her outstanding tools to administer the IPO in this exciting time of transition. “Linda has …

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EXCLUSIVE: IPO Executive Director Talks About Why He's Leaving

As Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra faces the departures of its top executive and music director, the board president says orchestra will move forward.

The idea of new employment hadn't crossed the mind of Edmund Feingold, executive director of the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra. But then California's Monterey Symphony came calling. “I was not looking for a new job,” Feingold said Thursday. “When a recruiter initiated contact and invited me to apply, my initial reaction was ‘no.’ The IPO is a great orchestra and I am settled here with my family.”  Ultimately he decided to hear what the people in Monterey had in mind. “Their orchestra has an approximately $2 million budget, larger than the IPO’s, and they have an endowment which is something I would love for the IPO," he said. “I felt their needs (in Monterey) fit well with my skills and this move would be the logical next step for me. “…

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IPO Executive Director to Leave Next Month

Edmund Feingold is moving on to a new position on West Coast in February, leaving the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra with two key vacancies.

Edmund Feingold, executive director for the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra since the 2006-2007 season, will leave next month for a position with an orchestra in Monterey, Calif., according to a letter sent out last week to members of the Friends of the IPO, an organization that raises funds for the symphony. This will be the second major departure for the award-winning orchestra this year. In early 2010, music director Carmon DeLeone announced that the current season--his 25th with the IPO--would be his final one. That means after the May 21 season finale, 25 Years with Carmon, both the orchestra and the administrative offices will be without permanent leadership. On Wednesday, Feingold and Mario Carlasare, the IPO's press contact, …

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'Manhattan Maestros' Concert Kicks Off IPO's Season

Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra's outgoing music director creates a surprising season opener with many New York ties.

As he embarks on his 25th and final year as music director of the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, Carmon DeLeone still finds the unexpected can occur while putting a program together. And Manhattan Maestros, the IPO's season opener set for this weekend at Lincoln-Way North High School's Fine Arts Center, is a perfect example. "It was all fortuitous happenstance," DeLeone said. "Actually, we did not set out to choose those with New York connections, but the concert just came together. To begin the orchestra's 33rd season, DeLeone pulled together an unusual of collection of composers who aren't normally known for their ties to New York City. In lieu of Leonard Bernstein or George Gershwin ("We saved them for the closing concert," DeLeone …

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