The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest Celebrates 95 Years in the Community
The Symphony of Oak Park & River Forest is a community orchestra—with an accent on community. Founded in October 1931 by conductor Gladys Welge, the orchestra features up to 80 musicians and presents an extensive repertoire of classical music. Even as it approaches the century mark, the symphony plays on. A rare thing.
“This year, our theme is ‘Not many community orchestras can celebrate their 95th anniversary—but yours can,’” says Beth Hoover, the symphony’s general manager and a symphony member, playing both oboe and English horn.
The symphony’s mission is three-fold: providing opportunities for musicians to perform; offering live symphonic music to the public; and fostering an appreciation of symphony music in present and future generations.
David Leehey—physician, pianist, and orchestra president, stresses that many of the musicians in the orchestra are their Oak Park and River Forest friends and neighbors.
“I think we’re unique in the sense that we are a true community orchestra,” he says. “We really are open to anyone who would like to play with us.”
Cheryl Flinn, orchestra treasurer, retired librarian, and second violin, makes it clear that the word community shouldn’t suggest amateurism.
“Our mission says ‘to present the music at the highest possible level of excellence,’ which I think we do our very best to do. And we have,” she says. “We’re very lucky to be able to have a lot of soloists from the Chicago Symphony and world-class, well-known people come and play solo.”
As for fostering classical music appreciation in young people, the symphony holds an annual Youth Concerto Competition; works with Providing Instruments for the Next Generation (PING) to provide lessons and instruments; and offers free concert tickets to all students, from grade school through college.
Of course the reality of running an arts organization isn’t always harmonious. To keep the music playing, the symphony continues to seek out grants and partnering opportunities. The OPRF Community Foundation has helped in part by establishing an endowment fund, providing grants and nonprofit professional development sessions, and sponsoring volunteer meet and match events that bring in others to help. “We had our strategic plan funded through a grant provided by the Foundation several years ago,’ says Flinn. “And they provide support with ads in our program book and the like too.”
While classical music may not have the drawing power of pop concerts these days, all three orchestra officers make it clear a night at the symphony is not to be missed. From Bach to Beethoven to Brahms and beyond, Flinn underlines the many benefits of attending a performance:
“It’s great music. It’s really convenient, and with free parking. You can attend our concert for less than you would pay for parking in downtown [Chicago], and you hear the same music and great musicians. And it’s a lot of fun when you know your neighbors performing up on the stage.” She continues:
“The more we’re part of the community, I think, the more the community supports us.”
To learn more about the symphony, its programming, and upcoming concerts, visit symphonyoprf.org.