Andrew Patner (1988)

The life of Chicago journalist and arts critic Andrew Patner will be celebrated March 18 in Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center, 220 South Michigan Avenue. Starting at 7 p.m., the event is free and open to the public.

Patner, who was critic-at-large at classical WFMT FM 98.7 and a contributing critic on classic music for the Sun-Times, died February 3 from a bacterial infection at age 55.

Among those providing musical tributes during the celebration will be members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the Lyric Opera Orchestra and jazz pianists Willie and Bethany Pickens.

At his family’s request, donations in Patner’s memory may be made to Chicago Children’s Choir at www.ccchoir.org/support.html.