IPO celebrates John Williams, one of the greatest modern composers of all time in stunning fashion. Highlighted by the intergalactically famous Star Wars Suite, the program also features his wildly charismatic Centennial Overture along with the intimate Concerto for Viola and Orchestra. A highlight to the evening is the return of Matthew Lipman to IPO’s stage. Originally from Crete, IL, Lipman has matured into a world-renowned violist performing across the globe. Most notably, last year Lipman performed chamber music by André Previn with violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter at Carnegie Hall, and on tour at the Berlin Philharmonie, Frankfurt Alte Oper, and the Vienna Musikverein. Praised by the New York Times for his “rich tone and elegant phrasing,” and the Chicago Tribune for a “splendid technique and musical sensitivity,” Lipman learned his craft under the tutelage of IPO’s late Principal Violist Matthew Mantell and was an early member of the South Suburban Youth Orchestra.