Music Is Life

Oistrakh symphony of chicago at carnegie hall june, 2019

“It’s an idea as vast as the innumerable experiences – so personal, so individual – that are possible in music.”

Many of us seek experiences that give meaning, clarity, and richness to our lives. At the Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago, as is true for so many music lovers, we find that classical music offers these experiences. And we want to share this with you through our richly inclusive idea called "Music is Life."

"Music is Life" embraces the emotional, inspirational, and educational impact that classical music has on each of us. The Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago delivers “Music is Life” through performances with renowned and emerging soloists, mentorships with rising artists, and partnerships that feature new and exciting concert formats.

Mina Zikri, Music Director of The Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago

“ ... because the essence of loving classical music is, inevitably, always the personal response.”

Much of this begins with the individual musicians — who they are, what they love in the music they play, and how collaboration with their fellow artists enriches their own experience. But this is only a small part of the myriad ways in which each musician's individual performance becomes the creative listening experience of each audience member. It's only the beginning of what an orchestra of intensely involved musicians, directed by an inspiring conductor, can share with their audience. This is what the Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago means by "Music is Life", and the beginning of an exploration of what there is to love in classical music. What is it then, that so many people love in classical music?

That's a short question with a long answer, because the essence of loving classical music is, inevitably, always the personal response. But how do you begin to find that in your own experience, in your own realization of music?

“There is something for each of us in classical music ...”

That is exactly what the mission of the Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago is — to offer audiences and musicians outstanding classical repertoire performed at the highest level, with an underlying programming component that seeks to discover what music represents in everyone's life. The Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago is “Music is Life.”

This enthusiasm for sharing a lifelong enjoyment of music is what inspires the OIstrakh Symphony’s focus on “Music is Life.” It’s an idea as vast as the innumerable experiences – so personal, so individual – that are possible in music. There is something for each of us in classical music, and that is the discovery that The Oistrakh Symphony of Chicago hopes to share with you.