CLASSICAL CLASS
When the Auditorium Theatre
was first unveiled 125 years ago,
patrons were immediately cap-
tivated by its stunning architec-
ture, expansive seating, and flaw-
less acoustics. In the years that
followed, this beloved Chicago
institution would cement its place
among the great artistic treasures
of the world—and indeed, there is
no venue possessed of such a unique and illustrious history
as the Auditorium Theatre.
In accordance with our 125
th
anniversary and in celebra-
tion of our unparalleled legacy, the Auditorium has com-
piled one of the most exhilarating seasons of programming
Chicago has ever seen. As a centerpiece of our lineup this
season, our international dance series features incomparable
talent, mesmerizing choreography, and a diverse compo-
sition of artists. The American Ballet Theatre, the Dance
Theatre of Harlem, Tango Buenos Aires, Grupo Corpo, the
Eifman Ballet of St. Petersburg, and the Royal Ballet com-
pose this enchanting assortment of companies, and we are
honored by their presence on our stage.
However, this vital cornerstone of our anniversary sea-
son would never be possible without one of the Auditorium
Theatre’s most generous and faithful friends. The NIB
Foundation, spearheaded by Sonia and William Florian, is the
Auditorium Theatre’s International Dance Series Sponsor for
the 2014-2015 season, a commitment that underscores the
foundation’s longstanding devotion to enhancing the cultur-
al landscape of our great city.
Sonia and William Florian have helped affect the cultur-
al awareness of Chicago for quite some time. In 1955, Bill
Florian created the radio station WNIB which would serve
as Chicago’s home for classical music for several decades.
In 1958, Sonia, a recent graduate of Roosevelt University,
began to oversee programming for the station—and her
expertise, coupled with Bill’s business acumen, helped propel
WNIB into decades of success. After selling the station in
2001, the Florians established the NIB Foundation to con-
tinue making an impact on the cultural and social fabric of
Chicago.
As avid supporters of artistic and environmental causes,
the Florians have used the foundation to make an incalcu-
lable difference to countless organizations in the Chicago
metropolitan area. Throughout the years, Sonia Florian and
the Auditorium Theatre have enjoyed an especially stead-
fast and rewarding friendship. Her first experience of our
National Historic Landmark occurred when she attended a
performance of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the evening
of the Auditorium Theatre’s grand reopening.
In the years since, Sonia has been a welcome pres-
ence at countless performances and events at the theatre,
including the Joffrey Ballet, the American Ballet Theatre, the
Bolshoi Ballet, the Eifman Ballet, Alvin Ailey American Dance
Theater, and dozens of local and emerging dance compa-
nies. In addition to marveling at the artistry to grace the
Auditorium’s stage, Sonia appreciates that the building itself
is a true work of art. “The beauty and radiance of the interior
theatre is stunning, from the intricate design…to the gold leaf
listing some of my favorite composers,” she recently told us,
and added: “the sight lines are excellent and the acoustics
are exceptional.”
We are humbled by Sonia’s kindness and deeply hon-
ored by her patronage. Her dedication, however, exceeds
simply attending performances and events. Over time, Sonia
has served on the Auditorium Theatre Council Board, and
her involvement in other cultural institutions (including the
Board of the Joffrey Ballet and American Ballet Theatre)
has been instrumental in the continued success of those
esteemed artistic organizations.
Today, the Florians’ enduring support continues to
revitalize and sustain Chicago, and originates new oppor-
tunities and inspiring experiences for thousands of people
each year. As our International Dance Series Sponsor for
the Auditorium Theatre’s 125
th
anniversary season, the NIB
Foundation has set a laudable and exemplary standard.
Their incredible generosity provided the impetus for one
of our most exciting seasons ever, and their overwhelming
compassion is vital to the ultimate success of this celebra-
tory season.
At the Auditorium Theatre, we believe that the arts are
crucial elements of human existence that can inspire and
educate, and provide strength and guidance to us all. The
arts are more than entertainment or casual distraction from
our concerns; they’re real necessities that shape our per-
spectives and augment our creative spirits. Therefore, we
would like to express our deepest gratitude to Sonia and
William Florian and the NIB Foundation for not only helping
to sponsor this cornerstone of our 125
th
anniversary, but for
championing these most critical and profound elements of
the human experience.
TAKING FLIGHT
As you read these words, you
are immediately becoming part
of a very special and historic
celebration. This is a momen-
tous time for the Auditorium Theatre, and we can think of no
better way to commence our 125
th
anniversary season than
by acknowledging one of our most steadfast and gracious
partners. For many years the Boeing Company has been at
the forefront of social and cultural development throughout
Chicago, the United States, and the world…and we are truly
honored by their contributions to another chapter in our
storied legacy.
An internationally-respected company whose work tran-
scends borders, the Boeing Company is unparalleled in their
field. Yet equally as admirable as their business acumen are
the Boeing Company’s sense of community responsibility
and their dedication to corporate philanthropy. Their ini-
tiatives have affected untold numbers of communities and
14 |
AUDITORIUM THEATRE 2014-2015
| OCTOBER 3 - OCTOBER 29
Spotlight on Philathropy
