Illinois Symphony Guild Book Club

Founded in 2022 by Guild members from Bloomington-Normal and Springfield, the Illinois Symphony Guild Book Club brings together music lovers who share a passion for exploring the lives, works, and stories behind great composers.

The group began by reading selections from the Bard College Composers in Context series, thoughtfully pairing books with composers featured on upcoming Illinois Symphony Orchestra programs. As the club evolved, members expanded their reading list to include a variety of biographies, memoirs, and fascinating works about music history and culture.

Recent selections have included Nancy Shear's memoir I Knew a Man Who Knew Brahms, John Adams's autobiography Hallelujah Junction: Composing an American Life, and Nicolas Slonimsky's witty and insightful Lexicon of Musical Invective: Critical Assaults on Composers Since Beethoven's Time. Our upcoming selection is Every Good Boy Does Fine, the acclaimed memoir of pianist Jeremy Denk.

Members gather several times each year, either on Zoom or in person at a coffee shop in Lincoln, making participation easy and accessible for those throughout central Illinois. New members are always welcome, and we encourage participants to suggest future titles for discussion.

While the books themselves offer a deeper understanding and appreciation of music and the composers who create it, the true joy of the club lies in the connections it fosters. Through lively conversations, members build friendships, exchange ideas, learn about volunteer efforts in both communities, and strengthen the bonds that unite us through our shared commitment to the Illinois Symphony Orchestra.

Whether you're an avid reader, a lifelong music enthusiast, or simply curious to learn more, we invite you to join us for an enriching and enjoyable musical journey.

Join the Conversation: Every Good Boy Does Fine

Our next Illinois Symphony Guild Book Club selection is Every Good Boy Does Fine, the acclaimed memoir of New York Times bestselling author and renowned pianist Jeremy Denk. Blending humor, insight, and a lifelong love of music, Denk's story offers a fascinating look inside the world of classical performance and the experiences that shaped one of today's most celebrated musicians.

Join us for what is sure to be another lively and engaging discussion on November 9 at 2:00 p.m. at Guest House Coffee & Pastries on Lincoln's historic courthouse square.

Beyond the book itself, this gathering is a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow Illinois Symphony supporters from Bloomington-Normal and Springfield, enjoy great conversation, and share delicious coffee and pastries in a relaxed setting.

What makes this selection especially exciting is that we'll have the chance to experience Jeremy Denk's artistry firsthand when he joins the Illinois Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 PM on November 20 in Springfield or on November 21 in Bloomington-Normal to perform Bartók's Piano Concerto No. 2. Reading his memoir before the concert offers a unique opportunity to gain insight into the musician behind the performance, adding an extra layer of appreciation to what promises to be an unforgettable evening.

We welcome both longtime members and first-time participants. If you'd like to attend, please contact Elaine Cousins at [email protected].

Read the book. Join the discussion. Then experience the artist live in concert.

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