Carl Linden and Artists, Live Music

01/20/2026

I started performing with Franz Benteler and the Royal Strings in 1973. We performed for many dignitaries including Richard J Daley, Anwar Sadat, Hiro Hito, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, and Jimmy Carter. Those were exciting times.

10/09/2024

In 1961-62 Kenny Mars played a small part, Baron Elberfeld, in the National Company of The Sound of Music. Mars was also understudy to the part of Herr Zeller. However, you will remember him in several Mel Brooks films playing outrageous characters like the N**I play-write Franz Liebkind in the Producers, and the officer of the law Hans Wilhelm Friedrich Kemp in Young Frankenstein. I am still amazed what talented people I have worked with over the years.

07/27/2023

In remembrance of Tony Bennet who was a great artist in every way. Back in the 1970s, I toured with Tony and Lena Horne. Both were fabulous live performers and I remember that tour with fondness.

11/18/2018

Indiana Nature composed by Carl Linden

This composition for string orchestra comes from a four movement suite by composer Carl Linden. His musical vision of Indiana is put in video form with photo...

12/10/2017

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zuC_5iFjYc

The Carl Linden and Artists Orchestra performs the world's most popular and beautiful music. This ensemble performs for music festivals, park concerts, and p...

02/24/2017

Over my career as a violinist and orchestra leader, I have had the privilege of performing for and working with some amazing people including Elliot Gould, Frankie Laine, Tony Bennet, Red Skelton, Richard Nixon, Richard Daley, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford, Bob Hope and Pope John Paul II, to name only a few. It has been an exiting ride!

02/08/2017

My grandfather, in this photo is leading the orchestra at the Strand Theatre in Lansing MI. He was born in Austria and emigrated to the USA when he was a child. He worked as a professional conductor, violinist, violist and teacher in Chicago, Hammond and Lansing Michigan. He was my first violin teacher as well as my mother.

02/07/2017

Orchestra leading and performing on the violin has been a family business for four generations. Below is a photo of my great-grandfather, (in center of photo), leading his orchestra. He was born in Münchhof Austria. He emigrated to the United States in 1888, and worked at the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. Later he moved to Hammond IN where he lead his orchestra at dances and in the theaters that then existed.

09/04/2013

Carl Linden and Artists performing in concert at Oak Brook Central Park. The emphasis is on fun.

09/04/2013

In the summer, our orchestra performs a program of light classical, movie music, show music, jazz, rock, country and popular songs. The violins will walk out into the audience and take requests. We also do this for dinner music at large banquets. It's fun! Ask the folks in your town that hire summer park entertainment to give us a phone call.