Sheridan Solisti Chamber Orchestra is a realtively new  ensemble founded and directed by Steinway Artist, Susan Merdinger. Featuring some of Chicago's finestprofessional and amateur musicians, the ensemble plans to explore traditional repertoire, promote new music by contemporary composers, and feature distinguished professional soloists and guest conductors.  Currently in fundraising stages, patrons and supporters, volunteers and member musicians are being actively sought. Please contact Susan Merdinger for more information.

About Maestra Merdinger:

American Pianist and Conductor Susan Merdinger brings a rare combination of virtuosity, vision, and leadership to the podium. An internationally acclaimed Steinway Artist, she is the winner of The American Prize Lorin Hollander Award in Piano Concerto Performance and The American Prize Honored Artist Award, with performances at Chicago Symphony Center, the Scottish National Orchestra Centre, Carnegie Hall, and Diligentia Hall in The Hague.

Her collaborations with prestigious orchestras such as the Chicago Philharmonic and Orchestra Sinfonica del Estado de México highlight her exceptional caliber as a soloist. Mentored by the late, celebrated pedagogue Otto Werner Mueller, Merdinger’s conducting reflects deep musical insight and dynamic presence. She was among a select international cohort invited to compete in the prestigious 2025 Hans Swarowski International Conducting Competition in Milan.

Renowned for innovative programming and leadership, she has conducted ensembles including the Northshore Chamber Orchestra, Sheridan Solisti Chamber Orchestra, and the Highland Park Strings. With two Global Music Award Gold Medals, Merdinger continues to inspire audiences worldwide while nurturing the next generation of musicians.

Merdinger studied conducting under distinguished conductors Robert Kapilow and Otto Werner Mueller, while an undergrad and grad student at Yale University and the Yale School of Music.  While in high school, she studied under Michael Pollon, who was himself a protege of George Szell.

Ms. Merdinger arrives at the podium as a conductor with a wealth of experience as a piano soloist, duo pianist and chamber musician, and has a substantial orchestral repertoire available for guest conducting appearances.