First, let me apologize for how long it has been since I last blogged.  In fact, all of my blogging calluses have gone away and I am sore just from writing these two sentences.  But enough about me.  Our friends at Gramophone have published yet another list.  This one lists the ten most inspiring orchestras in the world.  They are the New York Philharmonic, YouTube Symphony Orchestra, Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, China Philharmonic Orchestra, Buskaid (Soweto, Africa) Ensemble, East West Divan Orchestra, Orchestre National d’Ile de France, Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, and London Symphony Orchestra.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on their list.  Who did they forget?  Who shouldn’t be included?  Also, which Chicago ensembles do you find inspiring and why?  I’ll start.  The Grant Park Orchestra inspires me with their cool programming (thanks Jim Palermo – we miss you!), the affordable cost, and the setting and venue.  It’s your turn.