Every year in January, Lake Forest Symphony showcases its winter installment of an annual concert series. Friday (Jan. 21) and and Saturday (Jan. 22), the company will perform “Magnificent Russian Masterpieces” with Ilya Kaler as featured violinist.

Lake Forest Symphony performances take place at the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts in Grayslake, 19351 W. Washington St.

Enjoying its 53rd season, Lake Forest Symphony is the only entirely professional orchestra performing throughout Lake County. The orchestra is headed by musical director (maestro) Alan Heatherington.

Heatherington has accrued numerous musically professional accolades, including receipt of the Illinois Council of Orchestras' Cultural Leadership Award for 2010.

Lake Forest Symphony’s Marketing Director, Pat Nissen credits Heatherington with a high international regard, and the ability to select captivating programs each season.

“I’m always so excited to see what [Maestro Heatherington] has planned for the coming season,” Nissen said.

According to Lake Forest Symphony’s website, “[Heatherington’s] thoughtful and innovative programming and conducting is combined with a knack for spotting emerging talent.”

Such an eye for talent certainly justifies Heatherington’s decision to feature Concertmaster Kaler each season, which Nissen reported the company is “absolutely honored to do.”

A Moscow born concert violinist, Kaler has received rave international acclaim, engaging audiences with solo performances in nearly every continent, including in Montreal and throughout the United States, East Asia, Europe, Latin America, South Africa and Israel. Kaler was also the 1986 Tchaikovsky Competition gold medalist.

Nissen commented on Heatherington’s adroitness at selecting riveting program themes of various eras, be they amalgams of romantic or contemporary pieces. This January selection’s musical theme caters to a Russian focus -- fitting for Kaler -- including the music of legendary romantic era composer, Pyotr Illyich Tchaikovsky.

Lake Forest Symphony’s January lineup features another romantic favorite, Borodin’s Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor, Tchaikovsky’s "Violin Concerto in D and in B Minor" and another of Borodin’s repertoire, "Symphony No. 2."

“The Tchaikovsky piece is beautiful,” Nissan said of Kaler’s ability. “(Kaler’s playing) is rapturous, exquisite.”

In conjunction with Lake Forest Symphony's yearly concerts (five weekends in total), it offers musical education and children’s outreach through programs like youth concerts and traveling ensembles.

For tickets or more information visit http://lakeforestsymphony.org/index.php.