Since 1931, a lot has changed in Oak Park and River Forest.
Though always embracing their early roots, historic buildings and pioneering residents, the villages’ diversifying populations, modernized businesses and housing developments, and an ever-growing and vibrant network of community programs have transformed the towns into the places they are today.
Eras come and go, but one exceptional group has survived — and thrived — through nearly a century of changes: the Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest.
One of the oldest community orchestras in the United States, the Symphony is a nonprofit civic group founded in October 1931 by Oak Park resident Gladys Welge. She was a former child violin prodigy and assistant conductor of the Women’s Symphony Orchestra of Chicago — a rare and groundbreaking achievement in an age when women were excluded from playing in most symphony orchestras.
The Symphony’s mission has always been three-fold: to provide an opportunity for orchestral and vocal musicians to perform symphonic works together through peak artistry; to allow members from throughout the community to experience high-quality, live symphonic music; and to help current and future generations foster an appreciation, understanding and enjoyment of symphonic music.
Now in its 95th year, the Symphony is as strong as ever — boasting upwards of 90 members, depending on repertoire, and maintaining a steady, year-round schedule of rehearsals and live local performances.
With members coming from across Chicagoland, the Symphony’s full orchestra performs five concerts a season, as well as chamber concerts during the summer. Concerts are performed at various venues in the area, but all regular winter season concerts are performed at River Forest’s Concordia University Chicago.
Much of the success of the Symphony can be attributed to Jay Friedman, an Oak Brook resident who has directed the Symphony since 1995.
“My association with the Symphony started when I was approached by friends and musicians of the orchestra to be the next music director after long-time music director Perry Crafton retired,” he said. “What drew me to the orchestra was the commitment to the highest standards of programming and community engagement.”
Only the fourth director in the Symphony’s history, Friedman has brought about an impressive breadth of expertise to the orchestra.
Alongside a 63-year tenure as a member and principal trombonist with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra — just retiring last fall — Friedman’s international resume includes serving as conductor for some of the world’s most prestigious ensembles, including Danish Radio Orchestra, RAI National Symphony Orchestra (Italy), Malmo Symphony Orchestra (Sweden), Hawaii Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra of Mexico, Tucson Symphony Orchestra and Civic Orchestra of Chicago.
Performing classical, romantic and contemporary works, the Symphony boasts many orchestra awards, including through the Illinois Council of Orchestra (Orchestra of the Year in 2011 and 2018, Programming Award in 1998, Special Events Award in 1999 and Community Relations Award in 2002), as well as leadership and individual awards, including Conductor of the Year for Friedman (2001, 2011 and 2017), Friedman’s Cultural Leadership Award in 2018, a Community/General Manager of the Year Award in 2004 and Volunteer of the Year Award in 2025 for Cheryl Flinn, the Symphony’s Board of Directors treasurer.
“To be music director for 31 years is to see the orchestra develop and carry on the excellent tradition of former music directors such as Milton Preves, Perry Crafton and our illustrious founder, Gladys Welge,” Friedman said.
David Leehey, a long-time Oak Park resident, has served as the Symphony’s president since 2003. Though a physician by trade, Leehey is an accomplished pianist and choral singer and officially joined the Symphony after years of enjoying concerts as an audience member in the 1980s and 1990s.
“I really got involved after I collaborated with Jay on a performance of Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony on Jan. 1, 2000,” Leehey said. “The concert was held in Forest Park and the orchestra that was hired for the occasion we termed the ‘Millennial Festival Orchestra.’ I rounded up a chorus for the occasion.”
Reflecting on nearly a quarter century of Symphony leadership, Leehey noted the music itself has been his greatest joy, adding that he intends to continue being part of the organization for years to come.
“In terms of being president, the most enjoyable thing for me has been the music itself,” he said. “However, I’ve also enjoyed the camaraderie with other board members and musicians, and I’ve learned a lot about how to run a not-for-profit board. Reaching this milestone anniversary means that we have been around for a long time — I certainly plan to still be involved with the Symphony when we have our 100th anniversary in 2031.”
For more information about the Symphony, including upcoming concerts and ticket information, visit symphonyoprf.org.