Latest News

Review: A world premiere (and a Masterworks, too) thrills with symphony’s excellence

If ever there were a reason for hope in these tumultuous times, it could be found in “Hart of Tchaikovsky,” Charleston Symphony’s stirring April 16 Masterworks concert...

Making of a maestro The Illinois Symphony Orchestra's Ken Lam began his career as a lawyer

Ken Lam knew it was time for a change. He had worked hard. He was at the top of his game. A law degree from Cambridge University. An expert in international corporate law and economics. Respected and rewarded for his brilliance and tenacity...

Tarantula attacks, Hades and Napoleon's old violin

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra took to the Sangamon Auditorium stage on Saturday, Jan. 29, for "Incredibly Italian," its first concert of 2022. The evening's exciting and energetic program featured works by three notably non-Italian master composers – Mendelssohn, Schumann and Mozart...

ISO is back...and beautiful

The Illinois Symphony Orchestra made its triumphant return to the UIS Performing Arts Center stage this past Saturday, for the first time since February of 2020. Of course, the remaining two concerts of that seemingly long-ago season were canceled...

Latest News

Making a case for music: Ex-lawyer takes ISO podium

Meet Ken Lam for the defense. For the defense of great music performed live, that is. It's what he lives and breathes for. And it's what he's bringing to us, straight from his heart.

CSO Music Director Ken Lam agrees to 5-year renewed contract

Ken Lam, the dynamic music director of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra, will retain his place on the podium for five more years, the result of a newly inked contract...

Ken Lam is recipient of the 2015 Johns Hopkins University Global Achievement Award

The Alumni Association Global Achievement Award is given to individuals who exemplify the Johns Hopkins tradition of excellence...

SCMP: Hong Kong Sinfonietta excels in stifling heat of concert hall

If being in a non-air-conditioned hall on a hot summer evening is miserable, try playing an instrument on stage, dressed up and under spotlights, for two hours...

CNN: Directing an orchestra 'is like driving a Ferrari'

He left his career as a lawyer to pursue his childhood love of music. Today, Ken Lam is the music director of the Charleston Symphony Orchestra.

SCMP: Lawyer turned conductor enjoys spectacular rise in music career

"I think I was actually very lucky," Lam says. "As with most things, you just have to be in the right place at the right time."

SCMP: Review: Frank Braley and Hong Kong Sinfonietta

A blend of experimental work and all-time classics on Friday night left music lovers with mixed feelings, but their appreciation for home-grown artists was uniform.

NYT: All the World On a Stage In America

CHARLESTON, S.C. — The Spoleto Festival USA justifiably prides itself on variety, but its greatest strength is in its presentations of contemporary work.