Photography by Jim Prisching

“The CSO is really the heart of cultural activities in Chicago,” says Susie Stein, resident of Winnetka, a member of the League of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association (CSOA), and an affiliate of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Governing Members. “The CSO is considered one of the finest orchestras in the world, and it brings the most accomplished and famous musicians to our city.”

In order to keep that tradition of great music alive, Stein, along with her co-chair, Joseph Konen of Kenilworth, will be hosting the CSO’s “A Swingin’ Auction” on June 22 at The Casino. The event is an evening of bidding on otherwise unobtainable prizes plus dinner and, naturally, music, highlighting the event.

One of the exciting auction items is an unusual journey for two travelers to Myanmar. To add to the overall enjoyment and enhance the theme, the evening will also include a tribute to the late Benny Goodman. Orchestra leader Michael Lerich will take his 14-piece ensemble through the peppy and upbeat stylings of the “King of Swing.”

An evening of this magnitude requires a joint effort. A Swingin’ Auction is sponsored every other year by the Governing Members and the League of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (formerly the Women’s Association) “The great advantage about volunteering at the CSO is that there are so many ways to stay involved,” explains Stein. Currently, there are five volunteer groups within the CSO.

Funds raised from A Swingin’ Auction will support outreach programs offered by the CSO each year. These outreach programs not only spread the love of music, but have lifelong effects on those they touch.

A Swingin’ Auction is on Saturday, June 22, at The Casino, 195 E. Delaware Place in Chicago. For further information or to purchase tickets at $300 per person, call 312-294-3164, or e-mail [email protected].