The daughter of a talented pianist/painter, Susan Merdinger first heard strains of classical piano music before she was even born. Inheriting her Mother's artistic sensibilities and her Father's mathematical mind and enormous hands, playing the piano came very naturally, but it was her passion, hard work, and dedication to music that contributed to her prodigious ability. 

She will be performing Beethoven's “Emperor” Piano Concerto No.5 with the Northbrook Symphony Orchestra on Sunday April 5th at the Sheely Center for the Performing Arts at Glenbrook North High School in Northbrook, Illinois. We sat down with Merdinger to talk about her favorite things to eat, drink, and do in The Windy City. 

To Do

Some of her favorite things to do in Chicago include; the Architectural Boat Tour, The Chicago Botanic Garden and the Ravinia Music Festival. She enjoys shopping in downtown Highland Park or at the Old Orchard Mall. She also recommends the 900 North Michigan Mall in downtown Chicago: it boasts classic stores like Bloomingdales and Sur la Table, but also trendier shops like Gucci and Azeeza. 

Entertainment

If you’re looking for relaxation over activity, Merdinger recommends staying at the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago because of its historic charm and elegance. She also loves to relax at the beach on Lake Michigan or ride a bike on the Green Bay Trail, a trail that woolly mammoths traveled along for migration during the Ice Age.

Merdinger’s favorite spots for music and dance in the city are the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, the Lyric Opera of Chicago and Joffrey Ballet. However, she makes note that you shouldn't miss out on smaller regional orchestras such as the Northbrook Symphony or Highland Park Strings. 

She says to also check out the Theater District. Steppenwolf and Royal St. George Theater are her top picks there!

To Eat

She admits she’s not much of a foodie, but most recently she enjoyed a dinner on the river at Rivers. Conveniently located across the street from the Lyric Opera of Chicago. Her favorite deli is Max’s Deli right in Highland Park. Some of Merdinger’s favorites are homemade soups, deli sandwiches and a chicken soup that  she describes as, “amazing Chicken in the Pot Soup with Kreplach and Matzoh Balls and everything you ever wanted in a Chicken Soup!”

“For the best Artist Colony in a historic building- checkout my very own new Sheridan Music Studio- Chicago, on the 9th floor of The Fine Arts Building” Merdinger says. The top two floors of this 10-story building were added after the original building was built. It is also home to the 750 seat Studebaker Theater, and the smaller 500 seat Playhouse Theater, which is currently under renovation.  

“The Fine Arts Building dates from 1896, as we occupy a space with spectacular views overlooking Lake Michigan and the Buckingham Fountain  and some of the city skyline” she said. This is where they hold the Music With a View Concert Series and the Young Artist Festivals and competitions. It is also the home of the Sheridan Solisti Chamber Orchestra. Check out events at the Sheridan Music Studio here. 

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