Highland Park Strings

Unique Among Community Orchestras

Founded in 1979 by Lawrence Block, an attorney who serves as co-principal cellist and general manager, the mission of the Highland Park Strings remains to provide community concerts free of charge where families, friends and North Shore neighbors can gather for an afternoon of musical enjoyment at the highest level featuring top-notch soloists, many from the Chicago Symphony, others from the world stage and gifted rising stars, who are given the opportunity to perform for an appreciative audience.

The unique policy of free admission is made possible primarily by The Park District of Highland Park, which assumed the improbable role of sponsoring a classical ensemble. Its ongoing support is augmented by funds from an annual benefit concert, YEA! Highland Park, the Rotary Club of Highland Park/Highwood and the generosity of individual donors. Concerts are videotaped for continual broadcast on Cable Channel 19 Saturdays and Sundays at 6 p.m.

But it is the extraordinary commitment of accomplished amateur chamber musicians now blended with a smattering of professionals who have established the ensemble’s reputation as a cultural institution on the North Shore called the “little miracle in Highland Park” by the Chicago Tribune. For 28 years, the esteemed Francis Akos was at the helm as music director and conductor until becoming emeritus in May 2007. Now the baton has passed to his talented successor Francesco Milioto.

"To have this group playing classical music with such seriousness and offering free concerts to the community becomes more and more amazing every year. It is a tribute to the sponsorship of the Park District of Highland Park and the donors who turn out for the annual benefit convert. To say nothing of the determination of Larry Block, founder and co-principal cello."

– Dorothy Andries, Pioneer Press