Northbrook Symphony Founder Samuel Magad Dies At 94

NORTHBROOK, IL — Samuel Magad, the founder and first music director of the Northbrook Symphony and former concertmaster of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, has died. He was 94.

Magad died Monday in Buffalo Grove, according to the Northbrook Symphony.

A longtime violinist and conductor, Magad founded the Northbrook Symphony in 1980 as a community orchestra and served as its music director until 2001. During his tenure, the orchestra was named 1997 Orchestra of the Year by the Illinois Council of Orchestras, which also named Magad its 1998 Conductor of the Year.

In 2000, Magad was inducted into the North Shore Walk of Fame in Skokie in recognition of his accomplishments as a violinist and conductor.

“All of us at the Northbrook Symphony are proud to carry on the great tradition Sam started almost 50 years ago in bringing great symphonic works to North Shore audiences,” Northbrook Symphony President Steven Greene said in a statement. “We dedicate Sunday’s concert in Sam’s memory.”

Current Northbrook Symphony Music Director Mina Zikri called Magad “a remarkable musician, visionary, and cultural leader.”

“Through his artistry and dedication, he created not only an orchestra in Northbrook, but a lasting cultural institution that has enriched generations of audiences and musicians in the North Shore community,” Zikri said.

Magad’s wife, Miriam, died in February after more than 71 years of marriage. He is survived by two children, four grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Services and shiva will begin at 11 a.m. Friday at Chicago Jewish Funerals, 8851 Skokie Blvd., Skokie. The service will also be livestreamed through the funeral home’s website. Interment will be private.

More information about Magad and his career is available through the Northbrook Symphony website.