The Leo Michuda IPO Award for Lifetime Service
Leo Michuda was an Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra benefactor, board member, and 30-year member of the violin section. He was the proud patriarch, along with his wife Anne, of a family dedicated to the musical performing arts and hosted many benefits and receptions for the IPO family in their beautiful home, the “Villa di Musica.” After Leo’s death in 2014, the IPO Board of Directors created this award to honor his memory and those who showed similar sustained, outstanding contributions and exemplary service to the orchestra.
The first honoree was Helen Silvia in May 2015. The qualifications for the award include Excellence in Leadership, the Securing of Resources vital to the success of IPO, and the Application of Extraordinary Efforts to enhance the image or promote the artistic mission of IPO in the greater Chicago metropolitan area.
Past Awardees
2024: Trish Halpin
2023: Carole Joy Brejcha
2022: Mel Muchnik
2021: Jerri Greer
2020: Dory Machtinger
2019: Pat Ormsby
2018: Marilynn Tannebaum
2017: Craig Grannon
2015: Helen Silvia