NSO Music Director
Lawrence Rapchak

NSO News and Events

Featured Articles/News

Rediscovering the music of
Mahler's contemporaries

Pioneer Press – May 2, 2013
by music critic Dorothy Andries
"But seriously folks, is it neccessary that we have another performance of the Tchaikovsky's Fifth Symphony?" Read more...

NSO to present 'In Mahler's Shadow'

Northbrook Tower – May 1, 2013
In anticipation of the NSO's upcoming concert on Sunday, May 5, the Tower conducted a Q&A interview with NSO Music Director Lawrence Rapchak, who said ... Read more...

Novel programming sets Northbrook Symphony apart from the pack

Chicago Tribune – Sep. 24, 2012
by classical music critic John von Rhein
Maestro Rapchak expands "the repertory in adventuresome directions, ...challenging the ...curiosity of the musicians." Read more...

Northbrook Orchestra plays
music of the gods

Pioneer Press – Apr. 12, 2012
by music critic Dorothy Andries
Maestro Rapchak "is a champion of the
underdog... I look for good music which
is undervalued." Read more...

Chicago Tribune Pick of the Week

Chicago Tribune – Mar. 23, 2012
by classical music critic John von Rhein
More innovation at the NSO. Read more...

Northbrook's Rapchak goes
where others fear to tread

Chicago Tribune – Oct. 28, 2010
by classical music critic John von Rhein
Maestro Rapchak says "I don't want to be a
third or fourth-rate Ravinia – I want to be a
first-rate Northbrook Symphony." Read more...

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NSO News in 2013

NSO wins 2013 ICO
Programming of the Year Award

Illinois Council of Orchestras – March, 2013
by ICO Awards Committee
"The Northbrook Symphony has been awarded
the 2013 Programming of the Year Award
for musical excellence." Read more...

NSO News in 2012

Musical treat from Northbrook

Pioneer Press – Aug. 16, 2012
by music critic Dorothy Andries
"The Northbrook Symphony and the
Northbrook Community Choir have some
big winter holiday plans afoot." Read more...

Symphony, Rotary team up for fundraising concert

Northbrook Tower – Mar. 7, 2012
Staff report
Organizations collaborate to help in the
fight against polio. Read more...

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NSO News in 2011

NSO Music Director Helms Unique Concerts With Broad Appeal

What’s Happening – Nov. 5, 2011
"One doesn't usually equate orchestral performances with the terms unconventional, unpredictable but..." Read more...

Chicago Tribune Pick of the Week

Chicago Tribune – Oct. 21, 2011
by classical music critic John von Rhein
The premiere of a work composed by our
very own Maestro Rapchak. Read more...

No monkeying around with a genuine
hurdy-gurdy

Pioneer Press – Feb. 24, 2011
by music critic Dorothy Andries
What is a hurdy-gurdy? Read more...

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Upcoming Events

The NSO by the Numbers

33 years in existence
2 music Directors in 32 years
125 area musicians employed per season
485 local musicians & students who have appeared onstage as guest artists with the NSO
5 subscription concerts per year
172 total concerts performed to-date
21 important Chicago-area premieres in the past eleven seasons
Almost 40% (39.2) of subscribers are Northbrook residents
Only $22-$44 per concert (subscription rates)
Experience of a NSO Concert ... Fabulous!

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Organizations which the NSO has

collaborated in concerts with

over the past 10 seasons

Roosevelt University Chorus (3x)

Glenbrook North Symphonic Wind Ensemble (3x)

Glenbrook North Chamber Choir, Glenbrook North Intermediate Art Class (2x)

Glenbrook Academy of International Studies, Chicago Brass Band (2x)

The Leopold (Dance) Group (2x)

The New Tradition Chorus (2x)

Northwestern University Brass Ensemble, North Suburban YMCA, Great Lakes Naval Academy Band, North Shore Choral Society, Chamber Opera Chicago, Highland Park H.S. Chamber Orchestra, New Trier Advanced Physics Students

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2012-13 Concert Season

Sept. 30 – Joie de Vivre The Joy of Life
Nov. 4 – Eastern European Folk Fest
Feb. 17 – From Classical...
Apr. 7 – ...To Romantic
May 5 – In Mahler's Shadow