The Music Institute of Chicago (MIC) will honor American Airlines with its
inaugural Corporate Maestro Award during the Institute’s 2004 Gala,
“Enchanted Evening,” on April 16 at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago.

The Music Institute of Chicago established the inaugural Corporate Maestro
Award in appreciation for the valued partnership that MIC has had with
American Airlines for more than a decade.

“The generosity of American Airlines has enabled The Music Institute of
Chicago to make music education and arts therapy accessible to students
and audiences of all cultures and all economic levels,” said Bill Eichar,
chairman of the board of trustees of the MIC. “Many of our most innovative
programs have been initiated as a direct result of American’s ongoing
support.”

World-renowned soprano Renee Fleming will receive the annual Dushkin Award
in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to the arts and her
lifelong commitment to music education.

Considered a tour de force of vocal diversity by many, the MIC chose
Fleming because she “exemplifies the spirit of the award as an exceptional
artist, music educator, and role model for students of MIC,” said John
Piepgras, president of MIC.

The evening’s Honorary Gala Chair is Lady Valerie Solti and the co-chairs
are Judith Pierpont and Margo Georgiadis. Proceeds from the gala will be
earmarked for scholarships, financial aid, instruments, equipment, and
performance opportunities.

The Music Institute of Chicago is the oldest community music school in
Illinois, with a national reputation based on more than 70 years of
quality education.

Served by a 123-member faculty teaching at locations throughout
metropolitan Chicago, the MIC also participates in outreach partnerships
with The Chicago Public Schools and the Apostolic Church of God on
Chicago’s South Side. The newly renovated Evanston campus is a landmark,
state-of-the-art education center with the acoustically superb recital and
performances facility, the Nichols Concert Hall.

The Institute for Therapy Through the Arts is a unique program using
various art therapies to help those persons who have physical, emotional
and psychological needs.
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