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ABOUT US
Lisker Music Foundation (LMF) is a non-for-profit 501(c) organization that views music and the arts as the heart and soul of every thriving community. Where all other academic studies train the mind, the arts train a person to be in tune with their emotions, sense of morality, and sense of humanity. Only through the emphasis and education of the arts do we achieve a society of people who think about their surroundings, care about how their actions effect those around them, and ultimately what they can do on an individual level to make their community a better place.
OUR MISSION
We strive to support young artists by offering them the platform to showcase their brilliant abilities, while simultaneously infusing the community with world class music.
We provide a variety of performance opportunities, financial assistance, master-classes, and exposure so that musicians may achieve their ambitions and fulfill their potential.
Eleanor Kelner, David Lisker, Art Lisker
OUR STORY
Art Lisker, 17 years old
LMF is a family organization established in 2001. Founder, Art Lisker, is a classically trained violist, violinist, and pianist who graduated from the acclaimed Glinka Music Conservatory in Novosibirsk, Russia from which such music stars as Maxim Vengerov and Vadim Repin emerged. Within the Lisker family, music has always been much more than just a hobby or a source of entertainment, it was quite literally a way of life, and a means of survival. So when they arrived to the United States in 1990, Art immediately began to give violin lessons to his 4 year old son David. This is when he discovered his passion for teaching and nurturing a love for music in children. Art has a unique ability to guide students of any age, level, and musical style in a way that maximizes their individual potential. His private studio includes over 40 kids under the age of 18 and adults of all ages.
As David's musical skills continued to develop, it became evident that he would pursue a career in music. Art understood the overwhelming challenges that awaited his son. Way too often hopeful students, who have dedicated nearly two decades of their lives to music, graduate and discover a brutally competitive world without guidance or management involvement. In response to this issue, Art collaborated with his sister, Eleanor Kelner, to establish the Lisker Music Foundation.
David went on to graduate from the Manhattan School of Music in 2008 where he studied with Pincahs Zukerman and Patty Kopec, and received his Masters Degree from the Juilliard School in 2010 where he studied with Itzhak Perlman. While enjoying a successful and prolific career as a concert musician, his dedication to advancing the mission of his family's foundation has only strengthened over time. Today, he remains highly involved as the Artistic Director of LMF.
After two decades, LMF has evolved from one father's aspiration to support his son's dreams into an organization that has firmly established itself as a prominent presenter of exceptional concerts in the Chicagoland area, Florida, California and New York. Furthermore, it has become a comprehensive advocate for the arts within the community, encompassing a wide range of initiatives.
Today, Art Lisker is among the most sought after Classical and Jazz piano teachers. With more than 45 years of experience in the music industry, he combines his extensive expertise with a uniquely effective teaching approach. This approach ensures that you will have an exciting and entirely personalized learning experience that is guaranteed to bring you enjoyment.
LMF CONCERT SERIES
LMF has been presenting brilliant musicians throughout the Chicagoland since 2001.
Our concerts have been top cultural picks in the Chicago Tribune as well as the Chicago Sun-Times and have been the subject of articles in the Northbrook Star, Examiner, Mandarin Quarterly, Northbrook Tower, Splash Magazine, and Chicago Aidas Newspaper.
We recognize that beyond the profound nature of the music itself, a concert is ultimately intended to bring joy, inspiration, and entertainment. We deeply appreciate the commitment of our audience to attend our events despite their busy work schedules and full family lives. We aim to not only provide performers with a fulfilling opportunity to showcase their incredible talents, but we also place great emphasis on enhancing the overall experience for the audience.
We accomplish this by:
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thoughtfully creating each program, selecting works that not only inspire the musicians to deliver their best performances but also captivate and excite the audience.
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featuring brilliant young performers from all over the world who have dedicated their lives to music. In order for an audience to truly appreciate a composition, it must be delivered with passion, technical mastery, and love.
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providing a less formal, more engaging concert experience by asking the musicians to talk to the audience throughout the performance. This not only provides a unique personal insight of the artist in regards to the composition, but more importantly establishes a very personal connection between the audience and the performer, stripping away the formal barrier and leaving a comfortable, casual, salon like atmosphere.
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providing a comfortable hall with excellent acoustics and visibility.
SUPPORTING THE MUSICIAN
We know first hand how challenging it is for young hopeful musicians to realize their dreams. We also understand that music education has an immeasurable impact on the development of kids and young adults, which is why we are determined to provide support and encouragement to all aspiring music students regardless of age or level.
We are constantly evolving, and adding new programs that provide opportunities and resources to the students.
LMF Concert Series is our most established program which presents world class artists. The most effective and inspiring way to support young brilliant musicians is by providing them with a concert stage and an excited audience.
Annual Young Artists Scholarship Auditions provide financial grants to a number of gifted students 18 and under and intend to help paying for their musical development (lessons, recordings, auditions, etc.). Recipients of these grants are often also featured in the LMF Concert Series.
Open Studio Concerts create a platform where students of all ages and proficiency levels, playing different instruments, can participate and showcase a piece of music they are currently working on. These concerts take place in a simulated concert setting that is designed to be low-pressure, allowing students to perform in a supportive environment.
Featured Artist Masterclasses are a wonderful source of interaction between local students and world class visiting guest artists who perform in our concert series.
Ticket Giveaway is a program in which we donate hundreds of tickets every season to local students of various schools and studios so that they may experience exciting live concerts featuring prominent musicians from all over the world.
