For Dr. Rollin Potter, a scholar of Reiner, music offers hope and inspiration

Dr. Rollin Potter’s love of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra was first sparked through a weekly television series, originally called “Hour of Music” and later “Great Music From Chicago,” which aired on WGN-TV beginning in the 1950s. Through watching these broadcasts, featuring world-renowned conductors and soloists, Potter developed a “tremendous respect” for the CSO from a young age.

Growing up in far west suburban Somonauk, Potter began his music studies as a saxophone player in his school band. Later, as an undergraduate student at DePaul University’s School of Music, he regularly attended CSO concerts in Orchestra Hall; a fellow student who worked as an usher there would give him tickets.

After graduating from DePaul and earning a master’s degree from VanderCook College of Music, Potter pursued a doctorate from Northwestern University. While considering possible dissertation topics, he read a Chicago Tribune article about Northwestern’s acquisition of the memorabilia of the late Fritz Reiner, the CSO’s music director from 1953 to 1962. This inspired Potter to write his dissertation about Reiner — a project that involved interviewing many CSO musicians, as well as musicians who had performed under the illustrious conductor with other orchestras.

Potter describes Reiner as a “colorful character” and an ambitious conductor who demanded the highest standards from musicians. He “brought the Chicago Symphony Orchestra around the corner to being world-class,” says Potter, noting how Reiner earned the admiration of Claudia Cassidy, the Tribune’s famously exacting performing-arts critic.

Following the completion of his Ph.D., Potter worked as a conductor and teacher before transitioning into higher-education administration — a career path that took him to Minnesota, New Jersey, California and Arkansas over the years. Eventually he moved back to the Chicago area, in large part to be near the CSO, and became a subscriber and donor. “There are many fine orchestras in the world, but it’s a tremendous experience every time you hear [CSO] concerts,” Potter says. “It is such an uplifting, gorgeous experience for so many of us.”

Reflecting on the importance of supporting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Potter says, “Our world is going to continue to need experiences that will help us see everything that’s happening in a different and better way. ... We’re living in a very confusing time, to say the least, and the arts — particularly music — give us hope, inspiration and new understanding. [Arts organizations] at the level of the CSO will continue to show that the world is really a great place to be.”