Chamber Orchestra to Hold Benefit Concert for Holesovsky Musician's Fund

A founding resident company of The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, The Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia (COP) announces Classical Jukebox, a special benefit concert for the Holesovsky Musician's Fund. This chamber music concert will feature musicians of COP, and special guest artists including pianist and WRTI host Debra Lew Harder, and conductor laureate Ignat Solzenitzyn on piano in an evening of musician favorites.

"I miss Jimmy," said Associate Concertmaster Meichen Liao-Barnes. Musicians, like Liao-Barnes, are volunteering their talents in honor of Jimmy Holesovsky in support of the Musician's Fund. She continued, "Playing this concert allows me to relive the many wonderful memories of Jimmy."

The Holesovsky Musician's Fund was established in honor of long time principal cellist and orchestra personnel manager, James "Jimmy" Holesovsky. A member of the Chamber Orchestra for over 50 years, Holesovsky studied at the Curtis Institute with Orlando Cole, and joined the Chamber Orchestra at the age of 22, a year before his graduation. He also played for Santa Fe Opera for 32 years, and performed with the Philly Pops and the Pennsylvania Ballet.

"We are excited to debut this new initiative and special fundraising concert in tribute to our long-time cellist and personnel manager, Jimmy Holesovsky" said Bill Rhoads. "In honor of Jimmy's unwavering devotion to the Chamber Orchestra and to his colleagues, all net proceeds from this event will go toward the Holesovksy Musician's Fund. Donations received into the fund are dedicated to the payment of our musicians for future COP concerts and events. We're deeply grateful for, and I feel fortunate to be surrounded by, such an incredibly talented and dedicated group of musicians. They have been, and will continue to be, the reason for our success. The generous gift of their time and talent has made this special event possible and reflects Jimmy's spirit of commitment and collaboration which pervades every facet of our organization."

Conductor Laureate Ignat Solzenitzyn will make a special guest appearance in support of the Chamber Orchestra. Solzenitzyn, joined COP in 1994 as assistant conductor while a student at the Curtis of Institute of Music and assumed the role of Music Director in 2004 to 2010. The notable impact he had on the organization is documented through countless acclaimed recordings released on the Naxos label.

This concert will include Brahms' Clarinet Trio (Op. 114) and Piano Quartet No 1 in G minor, Op. 25, Steven R. Gerber's Elegy on the Name "Dmitri Shostakovich". The program will also feature selections from Spirituals, Book II for Flute and Cello, Dvo?ák's Terzetto, Op. 74, Schubert's Quintet in C. D 956, Op. 163, Jacques Ibert's Trois Pièces Brèves, Schumann's Trio Op. 134, and Vivaldi's Concerto for 2 Trumpets in C Major, RV 537.