February 1, 2011
Quarles & Brady's Daniels Co-Chairs Salute to Maestro Paul Freeman, Retiring Conductor of Chicago Sinfonietta
CHICAGO, ILL. — World-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma donated his time and talent to salute Dr. Paul Freeman, as a token of thanks to the distinguished conductor during his last season with the Chicago Sinfonietta in January. “Yo-Yo Ma Salutes Maestro Paul Freeman” was co-chaired by Chicago philanthropist Sandra Rand and John W. Daniels Jr., Chairman, Quarles & Brady LLP. The event was hosted by JP Morgan Chase & Co.
Yo-Yo Ma was selected by the Maestro Freeman for his first professional engagement at the age of 15 and during the evening stated that he was a representative of the legions of young soloists that owe a debt to the Maestro. Joining Yo-Yo Ma for a special performance in honor of the Maestro were Anthony McGill, clarinet, Pianist Jeremy Jordan, Violinists David Katz and Carmen Kassinger and Violist Renée Baker. The selections included works by Richard Wagner, Gershwin, Mozart and Beethoven.
After the concert Dr. Freeman said, “Yo-Yo has conquered the musical world and I am only a small part of his development. I would have never dreamed of a musical program like the one I have just heard. Yo-Yo’s presence this evening shows that people do not forget and do care. I am deeply touched.”
Quarles & Brady was a sponsor of the event and under Daniels leadership was instrumental to the success of the evening. He said, “Our Firm is committed to helping sustain cultural gems like the Sinfonietta that expand our young people’s vision of the arts.” The event raised over $150,000 toward the Maestro’s retirement fund.
Maestro Paul Freeman founded the Chicago Sinfonietta in 1987 in response to the lack of opportunity for minority classical musicians, composers and soloists. The Sinfonietta is the most diverse professional orchestra in the United States.
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Pictured from left: Quarles & Brady Chairman John W. Daniels Jr., Sandra Rand, Yo-Yo Ma and Maestro Paul Freeman.