Congratulations to Maestro Jay Friedman who was the honoree of the moment at last Sunday’s concert of the Symphony of Oak Park-River Forest. Oak Park Mayor Anan Abu-Taleb read a proclamation praising Maestro Friedman and naming May 22 Maestro Jay Friedman Day. Shown in the photo are the mayor’s wife Margi, Mayor Abu-Taleb and Maestro Friedman.
The actual highlight of the program was Christopher Martin, trumpeter extraordinaire, who captured the audience when he played the Albinoni trumpet concerto and two Haydn trumpet concertos. Several members of that orchestra are Forest Parkers as well as much of the audience. A reception was held after the concert.
The trumpet playing was astounding. I can’t find words to describe that young man’s performance. No one who heard him play will ever forget him. Remember this name: Christopher Martin.
This orchestra is so accessible, so inexpensive and the parking is more than adequate and free. Let’s meet there next season, beginning Oct. 2 with Beethoven Piano Concerto #5 and Beethoven Symphony #3. See you there.
Congratulations to Michael Branda, who is shown with his proud mother, Linda. Michael earned his PhD in physical therapy from Marquette University. He is a product of our elementary and middle schools and a graduate of Walther.
Welcome home and belated happy birthday wishes to Valdonna Rrahmani, returned from Montenegro and Kosovo in time to celebrate her birthday.
A violinist who performs with the OP-RF symphony, Hirsch Glagov, is also involved with theater, especially Stage 773 at 1225 W. Belmont in Chicago. On July 13 and 14, they will present “Operetta in Exile.” This music, composed by Eduard Kunneke, was silenced by the Third Reich. The Nazis resisted recognizing the popularity of the operetta, and Jewish librettists, composers and performers, obviously, had a troubled relationship with the Third Reich. Many of the most creative minds of that time perished or were forced into exile. This show, directed by Elizabeth Margoulius and conducted by Anthony Barrese, features six singers, a small chamber orchestra and is one that we are assured we will not want to miss. Visit chicaogfolksopera.org or call 708-383-2742.
Birthday greetings to Peggy Hughes, Daniel Hawkins, Katie Kelly, April Moroney, Anne Childs, Annette Pardun, Jon Olmsted, Kyle Littlejohn, Steffanie Schiller, Tom Cody, Angie Ventrella, and Betty Zimmerman.
Happy anniversary to Brandi and Rob Mintz, Veronica and Gene Rischer, and Debbie and Bill Guncheon.
Jackie is a former Chicago and Elmwood Park schoolteacher with an undying love for music, friendly pets and a host of life’s other treasures too numerous to list. She was born on the far southwest side of Chicago in a great neighborhood when it was a great time to be young.
