PRODUCING SPONSOR MARGOT AND JOSEF LAKONISHOK Margot and Josef Lakonishok became "believers" on a sunny day in Brooklyn at the studio of Julian Crouch, the scenic and costume designer for The Joffrey Ballet's new Nutcracker. Julian Crouch. Photo courtesy of The Joffrey Ballet.
Margot and Josef Lakonishok. Photo by Dan Rest.
The studio was alive with magical creatures, artistic leadership that has cemented fantastic masks, and puppets of all sizes our family’s commitment to the Joffrey." and shapes lining the walls and inhabiting Their son, Guy Lakonishok, serves on the the rafters in the ceiling. Margot’s eyes Joffrey’s Board of Directors. lit up and she began asking detailed questions. Shortly thereafter, Josef asked "As a family, we invest in the arts how they could help bring The Nutcracker because it is necessary. These great arts to Chicago’s stage. organizations tell powerful stories and bring so much to our community. The The CEO of LSV Asset Management, Symphony, the Opera, the Ballet — have Josef Lakonishok is a Trustee of the always been made possible through Chicago Symphony and Lyric Opera of patronage. We feel a responsibility to do Chicago, where he and Margot have what we can to secure the future of the underwritten numerous productions. At performing arts in Chicago.” the Joffrey, the couple has supported full— Josef Lakonishok length story ballets through a major gift to the Rudolf Nureyev Fund and sponsorships The Joffrey Ballet extends tremendous of Cinderella, Sylvia, Swan Lake, and gratitude to Margot, Josef, and the entire La Bayadère. Margot said, “Christopher Lakonishok Family. Wheeldon’s creativity inspired our gift for The Nutcracker but it is Ashley Wheater’s 2016–2017 SEASON Joffrey Ballet | 45