MOB named "Professional Orchestra of the Year"

In March 2021, the Illinois Council of Orchestras announced the winners of their annual awards for excellence in the field of music performance. Music of the Baroque received three honors: Professional Orchestra of the Year, Executive Director of the Year (Declan McGovern), and board director Marjorie Stinespring has been named Volunteer of the Year.

Executive Director Declan McGovern commented, "I have so enjoyed being part of this special organization since arriving in Chicago in the summer of 2017. I am grateful to be surrounded by a fabulous team of colleagues who make everything we do happen so well, every day. This is not how we expected to celebrate our 50th season, but COVID threw up new challenges—and like so many other organizations in Chicago’s rich performance arts landscape, we made the best of it! I am struck by how supportive our audience remained even though our season was reduced by two-thirds and patrons were unable to attend concerts in person. The pandemic also prompted us to think and communicate in new ways, and we were thrilled to invite our musicians back to the stage in January and stream our concerts directly into the homes of our audience. This was—and continues to be—a team effort. Our musicians, Music Director Dame Jane Glover, and all of us at Music of the Baroque so appreciate these awards from the Illinois Council of Orchestras in our special anniversary season. It’s particularly gratifying to see our longest-serving board member, Marjorie Stinespring, recognized for her 46 years of service and for her lifelong support and love for Music of the Baroque."

Established in 1974, the Illinois Council of Orchestras serves as an advocacy and service organization for the orchestral community in the state of Illinois. In addition to conferences, workshops, and other educational activities, the ICO is committed to promoting the exchange of resources and ideas among its members. For more information about the organization and the full list of winners, visit the ICO website.