C U LTU R E & CO MMUN ITY
IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
THE SOUND OF MUSIC The Lake Forest Civic Orchestra evolves in light of the continuing pandemic. words by Tricia Despres photography by Dale Jessen
L Brass quartet musicians Jen Schmeiser, Bob Kenehan, John Catomer, and Laurie Whisler before Gortinia event
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AKE FOREST RESIDENT LoriLee Bielski spends a good portion of her day juggling responsibilities, making decisions, and doing her best to direct employees in the right direction as a partner in a global digital services firm. But no matter what, she always makes time for herself … and her bassoon. “It’s the one time in my week that I truly must focus on one single thing,” says Bielski, who has played the bassoon in the Lake Forest Civic Orchestra (LFCO) for the past 13 years. “I think it is almost a relief for me to follow someone else’s direction for a little while.” Indeed, as a high-profile executive currently juggling a constantly changing business environment, Bielski has often used her participation in the LFCO as a metaphor within her work life. “I’m an ensemble player, meaning that I must always know how to blend and harmonize, and these are the same things that are so important within any company,” Bielski says. “I even hire people who have played music at one time or another, because I then know that they are, in fact, center brained. They can essentially pull from both sides of their brain.”
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11/14/20 6:54 PM