Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra may have concluded its 44th season in May but people who want to support the Park Forest-based performing arts organization still have some summer events to enjoy.
Afternoon Tea with Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra on June 26 at Palos Country Club in Orland Park benefits artistic and educational programs.
“The largest fundraiser is the annual gala, which was recently held in April at Olympia Fields Country Club,” said Janice Barry, event chair for Afternoon Tea with Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra. “This is just an attempt to have a small event to stay out there in the community, keep the name of the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra out there and keep meeting new friends of the orchestra.”
The event features Katharine “Kate” Nelson, whose mother is Flossmoor Mayor Michelle Nelson.
“The entertainment this time is a violinist. She was part of the Rising Star Showcase. She’s a college student. She’s very talented,” said Barry. Katharine Nelson, an undergraduate student majoring in violin performance at Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University Bloomington.
More Top Picks Best Wrist Braces For Carpal Tunnel
Katherine Nelson performed in the Rising Star Showcase in 2016, 2020 and 2021.
“It’s a concert held annually by the Friends of the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, where they feature all kinds of talented youth in the various southern suburb communities,” said Barry, who was a longtime subscriber before becoming more involved with the orchestra.
“It can be voice. It can be instrumental. They select six to eight performers and it’s basically a recital to showcase the youth.”
Afternoon Tea with Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, which was first presented in winter 2019 at Palos Country Club, returns to the venue for a second time.
“It’s a great location for the southern suburbs,” said Barry of Homewood.
“We had it there before. Everybody was pleased with the venue and the food so it’s a great central point for many of the southern suburbs where it’ll appeal to people from many communities.”
The fundraiser includes sweet treats selected by the venue and Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra’s savory selections such as cucumber, open-faced salmon and chicken salad sandwiches.
“Obviously there’s food and tea and social camaraderie, enjoying an in-person event again,” said Barry, who is in her second term and fourth year on the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra board.
“It’s basically tea sandwiches and dessert items. There will be a variety of teas at your table. You’ll select what kind you want.”
Barry worked with more than a dozen people including Crete, Flossmoor, Frankfort, Olympia Fields and Park Forest residents to organize Afternoon Tea with Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra.
“It’s a special events committee that handles that and works with the staff of the Illinois Philharmonic and development director Catharine Walby. We do whatever is needed to make the event successful and to plan and execute events,” Barry said.
“This is the second year of holding the tea. We’re going back to the tea, which started three years ago, and we’re hoping that it will become an annual event.”
A continuing Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra annual event is IPO Summer @ Olympia Fields Country Club. After launching this season’s four chamber concerts on June 22 at 2800 Country Club Drive, Olympia Fields, the series continues with the choice of 6:15 or 7:45 p.m. outdoor shows on three more dates.
The orchestra’s Azusa Tashiro, Janis Sakai, Pedro Mendez, and Jacob Hanegan perform on July 13; the orchestra’s Cynthia Fudala, Christina Janzow Phillips, Claire Werling, Lee Shirer, and Erin Kozakis perform on July 27; and Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Chamber Ensemble members perform on Aug. 10.
Tickets are $39 per concert of $105 for three concerts through Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra. Dinner reservations, which must be made 24 hours prior to each concert, are available for $28.75 per person by calling Olympia Fields Country Club at 708-748-0495 for indoor or outdoor seating for a prix fixe menu.
“I really believe Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra’s one of the premier fine arts organizations in the southern suburbs, if not the premier one,” Barry said.
“We just have to keep exposing people to both that particular organization and classical music. I was raised not knowing that classical music can be for everybody and it can be enjoyable. I just think that once people know about the organization, they will enjoy and embrace it as many of us do.”
Afternoon Tea with Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra
When: 2 p.m. June 26
Where: Palos Country Club, 13100 Southwest Highway, Orland Park
Tickets: $45 adults; $25 ages 12 and younger
Information: 708-481-7774; ipomusic.org
More Top Picks Best Hydration Backpacks
Jessi Virtusio is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.