On
Wednesday, October 21, 2009, The Solti Foundation U.S. again celebrated
the life of Sir Georg Solti. The benefit dinner and program was held
at The Casino in Chicago.
Sir Georg was conductor of the Chicago Symphony
Orchestra from 1969-1991 and laureate conductor until 1997. The much
loved and revered Solti is remembered by his many friends and associates
not only in Chicago, but throughout the world.
The Solti Foundation was
formed to assist outstanding young American musicians at the start of
their professional careers. The awardees are Solti’s legacy to
the world of music.
The winner of the Solti Foundation 2009 Grant was
announced by Lady Valerie Solti who flew in for the ceremony from her
home in London. American Conductor Erik Nielsen is the
2009 winner. A former student at the Curtis Institute of Music and The Juilliard School, he has been the Kapellmeister at the Oper Frankfurt since 2002. In 2008, Nielsen replaced the indisposed James Levine at the Tanglewood Music Center where he conducted The Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny at Maestro Levine’s request. There were also comments by bass Rene
Papp who is currently
appearing at Lyric Opera of Chicago and - via film - by 2009 Solti recipient,
Erik Nielsen.
A cocktail reception preceded the musical program that
featured special guest artist Ryan Center tenor, Rene
Barbera and the
Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s
Dale Clevenger, both accompanied by Betty
Buccheri. Dinner followed in
the elegant dining room of the Casino where the tables were a mass of
multi- colored pink roses. The menu included parsnip bisque, a beef tenderloin
entree and a warm chocolate cake dessert.
Chairing the benefit were Penny
Van Horn and Nancy Kempt of Chicago. The Honorary Chairman is Lady Valerie
Solti and Renee Fleming is the Honorary President. Members of the dinner
committee included Katherine Abelson and Rob
Cornell, Marletta Darnell, Mitzi Freidheim, Diana Davis Mason and Rachel
Barton Pine of Chicago.
From the north shore were Kay Mabie of Northbrook, Cathy
Osborn and Bill and Kitty
Devers of Winnetka and Ingrid and Tom
McNeill of Wilmette.
From the western suburbs were Avis Herseth of Oak Park and Jorge and
Beatriz Jorgulesco of Oak Brook. The event was sponsored by Bessemer
Trust.
