I know I’ve shared many posts on my life long passion for the arts…well here is another outstanding organization I haven’t talked about until now, The Southwest Symphony Orchestra! Why now you might ask…there are several reasons…they are celebrating their 60th Anniversary, they have a brand new conductor and they are having a fun fund raiser…so now is the perfect time to do a long over due post!

I have had the pleasure of attending their concerts over the years and recently attended their opening concert of the 2025-2026 season….you have heard of an eye opener well this was an “ear opener” under the direction of their new conductor, Brian Dollinger, they have never sounded better!

From Mastro Dollinger bio….

Whether on the concert stage performing masterworks and pops or in the orchestra pit conducting opera and ballet, his insightful musicality and collaborative spirit come together to create a fun, inviting, energetic, and enriching atmosphere at each rehearsal and performance. 

Maestro Brian Dollinger celebrates more than twenty years as the Music Director and Conductor of the Muscatine Symphony Orchestra. In 2023, he was successfully re-appointed as the artistic leader for I not only the MSO, but the Clinton Symphony Orchestra and the Hawaii-based Kamuela Philharmonic. He continues to serve as Music Director of the West Hawaii Dance Theatre on the Big Island of Hawaii as well. His charisma, energy, technical clarity, and deep musical passion continues to inspire musicians and audiences alike across the country. He has conducted orchestras of a variety of levels and locations throughout the United States and in Europe.

A member of the National Association for Music Education, Maestro Dollinger is a frequent conductor and clinician for various youth string festivals, competitions and workshops. He has conducted highly successful engagements throughout Illinois and Iowa. These events have included all-day festivals rehearsing, teaching, mentoring and performing with some of the state’s best high school symphonic musicians. He continues to make appearances at elementary and high schools working with student ensembles and talking about music with the youngest of students down into kindergarten. A sought-after clinician, adjudicator, and speaker, Maestro Dollinger welcomes each and every opportunity to work with young students and musicians.

I wanted to give you information on a special opportunity to support this fabulous orchestra…here is their press release….

You may enter for a chance to win here, if you are so inclined.

Also, the Symphony has two Christmas Concerts. Friday, December 12th at 7 pm at St. Damian’s Catholic Church in Oak Forest and Sunday, December 14th at 4 pm at St. Stephen’s Church in Tinley Park. This is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. The Symphony will be joined by the Choirs from both churches, their Children’s Choir and Bell Choir. A brand new piece commissioned in honor of the 60th Anniversary of the Southwest Symphony Orchestra by Tom Hawley and Tom Mantel will be premiered at these concerts! Get your tickets soon, they tend to sell out!”

On a more personal note…I was recently honored at a black tie event for a special birthday…my dear friends, Tom Hawley and Tom Mantel, (you have read about their spectacular Mid-Century Modern home in numerous blog posts), hosted THE perfect party (I’m doing another post on THE party with lots of photos….stand by!). It so happens that Tom H. plays in The Southwest Symphony. I had the nerve to ask if he would do a huge favor for me and play at my party. He, of course, agreed and invited four of his colleagues to join him in a string quintet. They played Mozart’s A Little Night Music, one of my favorite classical pieces, followed by Happy Birthday. They made my special evening even more magical! Lucky me!

Do yourself a major favor and get your tickets you will be totally enchanted!