What inspires your love of music?
Classical music filled the Aleskow home with CSO guest artists coming over for homemade Russian food and vodka and to play quartets with my mother, Zina Joelson Aleskow, who was a concert pianist. As a first-chair violinist in high school, my appreciation of classical music and the excellence of the CSO has become one of my life’s treasures, which I have enjoyed sharing with my wife, Elynne.
What initially drew you to the CSO?
My mother, Zina Joelson Aleskow, was a concert pianist who brought me to the CSO children’s concerts at the age of 3 years old. I have been an audience member ever since.
Why do you feel it’s important to support the CSOA as a member of the Theodore Thomas Society?
My wife and I are proud to leave a legacy gift to the CSOA because we believe in its excellence and the need for classical music to thrive. My wife and I are native Chicagoans who feel pride and responsibility in supporting Chicago’s and the CSO’s greatness and legacy.
