Be the first to discover the finest rising-star classical musicians of their generation. Astral's newest artists debut at the Winners Concert, in a showcase of masterful artistry.

Featuring:
ARKAI, string duo
Amer Hasan, clarinet
Hilda Huang, piano
Helen Zhibing Huang, soprano
Valentin Kovalev, saxophone
Julian Rhee, violin
Hao Yang, guitar

PROGRAM

Nkeiru Okoye Movements for String Quartet
Chen Yi Shuo for String Quintet
Francis Poulenc Trio for Oboe, Bassoon and Piano
Adolphus Hailstork "Detroit" Piano Quintet

FEATURING

Ashley Horne, Violin
Claire Chan, Violin
William Frampton, Viola
Wayne Smith, Cello
Anthony Morris, Double Bass
Hassan Anderson, Oboe
Alexander Davis, Bassoon
Lydia Brown, Piano
David Berry, Piano

*Editors note: this concert program will also take place on Friday September 24, 2021. See link below for info and tickets to either event.

SWAN SONG combines a contemporary string quartet by prolific composer Adolphus Hailstork with the unforgettable Schubert cello quintet. Schubert's final work of chamber music is often regarded as one of the finest compositions of the art form.

With the rare instrumentation of a full standard string quartet plus an additional cello, this compelling work is a favorite of many chamber music lovers. Plus, hear living composer Adolphus Hailstork's beautiful Adagio for Strings, a contemporary addition to the wonderful adagio tradition. The Parker Quartet and Marcy Rosen perform.

PROGRAM

Franz LISZT, arr. Müller-Berghaus Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2

Michael TORKE SKY (Concerto for Violin)*
I. Lively;
II. Wistful;
III. Spirited
Tessa Lark, violin

William DAWSON Negro Folk Symphony
I.The Bond of Africa;
II. Hope in the Night;
III. O, Le’ Me Shine, Shine Like a Morning Star!

CONDUCTOR
Mei-Ann Chen

GUEST ARTIST
Tessa Lark, violin

*Chicago Premiere

On SKY: “The balance between the worlds of classical and vernacular music is masterly: one can bet that this work will soon be imposed as a classic of literature for violin and orchestra.” — Filippo Focosi, Kathodik

Chicago Sinfonietta’s 34th season begins with a dynamic concert drawing on the deep connections of community through works grounded in folk music. The rhythmic spontaneity and seductive expression of Franz Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 opens the concert, followed by violinist Tessa Lark’s compelling energy in Michael Torke’s SKY, a fusion inspired by Irish reel and American bluegrass. The evening closes with American composer William Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony, a Chicago Sinfonietta signature piece informed by traditional spirituals.

September 18, 2021 at 8:00 pm | Wentz Concert Hall
September 20, 2021 at 7:30 pm | Symphony Center

Approximately 70 mins, no intermission

PROGRAM

Franz LISZT, arr. Müller-Berghaus Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2

Michael TORKE SKY (Concerto for Violin)*
I. Lively;
II. Wistful;
III. Spirited
Tessa Lark, violin

William DAWSON Negro Folk Symphony
I.The Bond of Africa;
II. Hope in the Night;
III. O, Le’ Me Shine, Shine Like a Morning Star!

CONDUCTOR
Mei-Ann Chen

GUEST ARTIST
Tessa Lark, violin

*Chicago Premiere

On SKY: “The balance between the worlds of classical and vernacular music is masterly: one can bet that this work will soon be imposed as a classic of literature for violin and orchestra.” — Filippo Focosi, Kathodik

Chicago Sinfonietta’s 34th season begins with a dynamic concert drawing on the deep connections of community through works grounded in folk music. The rhythmic spontaneity and seductive expression of Franz Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 opens the concert, followed by violinist Tessa Lark’s compelling energy in Michael Torke’s SKY, a fusion inspired by Irish reel and American bluegrass. The evening closes with American composer William Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony, a Chicago Sinfonietta signature piece informed by traditional spirituals.

September 18, 2021 at 8:00 pm | Wentz Concert Hall
September 20, 2021 at 7:30 pm | Symphony Center

Approximately 70 mins, no intermission

About the artists:

Black Violin is an American hip hop duo from Fort Lauderdale, Florida comprising two classically trained string instrumentalists, Kevin Sylvester and Wilner Baptiste, who go by the stage names Kev Marcus and Wil B. Kev Marcus plays the violin, and Wil B. plays the viola (source)

The Blind Boys of Alabama, also billed as The Five Blind Boys of Alabama and Clarence Fountain and the Blind Boys of Alabama, is an American gospel group. (source)

Aakash Mittal’s Nocturne suite offers listeners a reimagining of the night. The music places the density and sonic collisions of urban India alongside the meditations of a world at rest, night terrors conjured by the imagination, and the slow cadence of blue light melting into darkness. The second half of the program will feature Mittal’s new works for voice that explore dreams as a non linear space where memory, experience and premonition meet.

ARTISTS
Aakash Mittal | Alto Saxophone
Rajna Swaminathan | Mridangam
Miles Okazaki | Guitar
Jasmine Wilson | Voice
Shurmila Dhar | Voice
Eddy Kwon | Violin
Trevor New | Viola
Stephan Crump | Bass

Benjamin Baker, violin
Brian Hong, violin and co-artistic director
Jordan Bak, viola
Alexander Hersh, cello and co-artistic director
Stefán Ragnar Höskuldsson, flute
Kristina Bachrach, soprano

Augusta Read Thomas, composer and emcee

Program

Upon Wings of Words

Amy Beach: Theme and Variations for flute and string quartet
Augusta Read Thomas: Upon Wings of Words (Emily Dickinson Settings) for soprano and string quartet
—World Premiere
Alma Mahler: Five Lieder (1910) for soprano and string quartet (arr. Cliff Colnot)

Program

Sounds of Dance

Coleridge-Taylor: Danse nègre from African Suite
J. Strauss Jr.: The Blue Danube Waltz
Chopin: Grande valse brillante (arr. Stravinsky)
Price: Dances in the Canebrakes (arr. Still)
Smetana: The Moldau from My Fatherland
Dvořák: Slavonic Dance No. 8
Arturo Márquez: Conga del Fuego Nuevo

Lara Downes, piano
Rachel Barton Pine, violin
Ifetayo Ali-Landing, cello
Members of the Chicago Sinfonietta

Program

Rising Sun: Migration and Renaissance

Tracing the journey, physical and metaphorical, of the Great Migration and the creative flowering of the Chicago Black Renaissance, this program features music—by artists whose work and lives were transformed by the journey north—that tells stories of migration and metamorphosis, trial and triumph, courage, creativity, and collaboration.

Margaret Bonds: The Bells and Troubled Water from Spiritual Suite
Margaret Bonds: “Dream Variations” from Three Dream Portraits
William Grant Still: Summerland from Three Visions
Nora Holt: Nora’s Dance
Florence Price: Sketches in Sepia
Florence Price: Andante con espressione
William Grant Still: Gamin from Suite for Violin and Piano
Florence Price: Piano Quintet in A minor
Lil Hardin Armstrong: “Just For a Thrill” (arr. Jeremy Siskind)
Sam Cooke: “A Change Is Gonna Come” (arr. Jeremy Siskind)

Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis

Description

Whether you’re looking for a beautifully unique classical music performance or a romantic candlelit experience, this performance is for you. You don’t need to know all things classical music to enjoy the evening, simply sit back and savor the stunning pieces you’ll hear. Held in specially selected venues in comfortable settings so you can enjoy classical music in a laid back yet classy atmosphere while the surroundings flicker by candlelight. Prepare to be taken into the clouds with these most treasured Latin and Tango masterpieces!

Tentative Program

• Astor Piazzolla- Fracanapa

• Laura Chavez- Blanco, Impetu

• Teresa Carreño- String Quartet in B minor, mov III

• Mariano Mores- Taquito Militar

• Osvaldo Fresedo- Vida Mia

• Julian Piana- Viejo Ciego

• Maria Granillo- Quartet No 2, Mestizo, Mov I

• José Bragato- Popular

• Maria Teresa Prieto- Cuarteto Modal para instrumentos de arcos. Mov 1: Dórico

• Ruben Gonzalez- Santa Fe

• Carlos Gardel- Por una Cabeza

• Astor Piazzolla- Deus Xango

Check in begins at 6pm

Brubeck Brothers Quartet and Classical Tahoe Quintet – Vignette No. 3
Brubeck Brothers Quartet– Blue Rondo
Maurice Ravel – Tzigane (1924)
Amaryn Olmeda, violin
Anna Stoytcheva, piano
Mendelssohn String Octet Op. 20
Allegro moderato ma con fuoco

Saturday, August 14, 7PM

Orchestra Concert

Gabriela Díaz-Alatriste, conductor
Brubeck Brothers Quartet with the Classical Tahoe Orchestra
Billy Hunter, trumpet

A Celebration of Centenary Jazz Great Dave Brubeck

Each summer, Classical Tahoe brings together America’s leading classical musicians for a three-week festival of orchestra concerts on the campus of Sierra Nevada University in Incline Village, Nev.

Orchestra and Chamber Concerts are held on the campus of Sierra Nevada University,

Gabriela Díaz-Alatriste, conductor
Márquez: Danzón No. 2 (1993)
Saint-Saëns: Violin Concerto No. 3 in B Minor, op. 61 (1880)
Amaryn Olmeda, violin
Intermission
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 4 in F minor, op. 36 (1878)

Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Michael Stern, conductor
Joshua Bell, violin
Larisa Martínez, soprano

4:30 PM - Donor Gates Open

5:00 PM - Public Gates Open

8:00 PM - Concert Starts

Program

Voice and the Violin

Rossini: Overture to La scala di seta

Mendelssohn: “Ah, ritorna, età dell’oro” (Cavatina) from Infelice (1834) (adapt. Stephenson)

Dvořák/Kreisler: Slavonic Fantasy (after Songs My Mother Taught Me) (adapt. Stephenson)

Delibes: Les filles de Cadix

Sarasate: Habanera from Carmen Fantasy (adapt. Stephenson)

Hérold: “Jours de mon enfance” from Le pré aux clercs

Chopin: Nocturne in E-flat major, op. 9, no. 2 (arr. Bell/Wallace)

Berlioz: Overture to Béatrice et Bénédict

Bernstein: West Side Story Medley (arr. Brohn/Czarnecki, adapt. Stephenson)

Watch the Dame Myra Hess Memorial free concert series on the International Music Foundation website at imfchicago.org.

SooBeen Lee, violin and Elliot Wuu, piano

Claude Debussy – Violin Sonata in g minor, L. 140

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor – Suite for Violin and Piano, Op. 3

Igor Frolov – Concert Fantasy On Themes from Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess, Op. 19

Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Marin Alsop, conductor
Midori, violin

Jessie Montgomery: Banner

Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No. 1

Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 (“Italian”)

Orchestra 2001 – Mark Loria, conducting

Heitor Villa-Lobos (1887-1959) – Sexteto místico

Clarice Vasconcelos Assad (b. 1978) – The Book of Spells

Orlando Haddad (b. 1953) – Lendas Amazônicas (Amazon Legends) premiere

Orlando Haddad's commission generously funded by the Steven R. Gerber Trust.

Orchestra 2001 returns to Teatro Esperanza as part of Esperanza Arts Center’s VOCES series, featuring live-streamed performances that spotlight the arts and traditions of Brazil. Enjoy authentic Brazilian food while watching VOCES at home and support our local Latino-owned restaurants.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 23, 2021 at 7pm
Virtual Livestreamed Event from Teatro Esperanza; recorded at World Cafe Live
Tickets $5 / FREE for Students & Seniors
Orchestra 2001 SOUNDING BOARD members can select a free ticket.

This is an online event with no live audience. We hope you will join us.

PROGRAM
Jessie Montgomery Starburst
Alice Coltrane Prema for Harp and Strings
arranged by Tom Cunningham of Urban Playground Orchestra
Adolphus Hailstork TULSA 1921 (Pity Theses Ashes, Pity This Dust) for Mezzo-Soprano and Chamber Orchestra
*World Premiere - libretto by Herbert Woodward Martin
Trevor Weston The People Could Fly for Violin Solo, Narrator and Strings
(Based upon an African-American folktale by Virginia Hamilton; featuring dancers from Harlem School of the Arts)

FEATURING
Amadi Azikiwe, Music Director and Conductor
Terrance McKnight, Host and Performer
J’Nai Bridges, Mezzo-Soprano
Jessica (Lady Jess) McJunkins, Violin
Ashley Jackson, Harp
With an orchestra comprising members of The Harlem Chamber Players. Also featuring dancers from Harlem School of the Arts.

Enjoy live music by local artists at our beautiful, outdoor venue. We encourage guests to bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and BYOB!

ABOUT OUR MUSICIANS:

Brianne Sargent has been performing since she was 5 years old, starting with piano and percussion. At age 11, she took up the violin, viola, and cello. She began playing the bass during her senior year in college. Although classically trained, she plays more jazz, R&B, gospel and experimental music. Brianne performs with Skinny Cooks, Serenata Strings, McKinney Philharmonic Orchestra, Melody Memory and The Polyphonic Spree.

Alex Moreno (Viola) is currently a UNT masters student in the jazz performance track. He has been involved in the local recording and performance scene for several years, and has branched out into several styles and musical groups.

With numerous world tours, performances and masterclasses, Eugen Kim (Violin) has built her career in classical music, contemporary improvisation, and jazz scenes around the world. Kim is currently a doctoral student in jazz performance at University of North Texas.

This event is a co-presentation with Front Yard Concerts.

Pianist John Urban and Violist Dwayne Beach will be presenting a hybrid recital full of Viola and Piano works by Nicolò Paganini, William Walton, a living female composer Amanda Harberg and an original transcription of a gem for violin once forgotten by Cesar Espejo in their Consorto Accademico.

Noel Pointer Foundation @ Restoration Plaza
247 Herkimer Street 
Noel Pointer Foundation 
Brooklyn, NY

KAIA String Quartet is dedicated to presenting the rich tradition of music from Latin America. This event is a live musical performance.

——

From the tango of the Rio de la Plata to the string quartets of Silvestre Revueltas, KAIA String Quartet is an ensemble devoted to promoting the rich and colorful music of Latin America. One of 2018's "Top Ten Musical Recordings" (Chicago Tribune), KAIA will perform live works by Venezuelan composer, Teresa Carreño, and Claudio Santoro of Brazil. This artistic experience has been curated for the 2021 Pivot Arts Festival, Reimagining Utopia. 

Venezuelan composer Teresa Carreño’s String Quartet in B minor (1896) is described as one of her most sophisticated works in spite of certain restrictions she faced as a 19th century female composer. Claudio Santoro was among the major influential figures in 20th century Brazilian music, praised by his renowned contemporaries Igor Stravinsky and Aaron Copland. He composed the String Quartet No. 3 during his “Nationalistic Period” after 1953 and, although rarely performed, it is one of 500 compositions he wrote throughout his lifetime.

Let the power of the human voice transport you as Dame Jane Glover leads two exquisite Bach cantatas, “Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen,” BWV 51, and "Ich habe genug," BWV 82, alongside two works for strings by Purcell.

Due to the coronavirus pandemic and restrictions on gatherings, this concert will be streamed live from Faith, Hope, & Charity Church. Patrons can watch the concert live on June 6 or on demand beginning June 9.

Music of the Baroque Orchestra
Dame Jane Glover, conductor
Yulia Van Doren, soprano
Michael Sumuel, bass-baritone

PROGRAM

Piazzolla (arr. Steven Verhelst) Suite from Maria de Buenos Aires for Brass and Percussion
Valerie Coleman Suite: Portraits of Josephine
Victor Wooten La Lección Tres*
*World Premiere, Chicago Sinfonietta Commission

CONDUCTOR
Mei-Ann Chen

GUEST ARTIST
Victor Wooten, Bass

Chicago Sinfonietta closes its 2020-2021 season with a finale that honors the voice of the people in its many forms, tracing the line of stories told across time and place. Merging the present with the past, the orchestra presents a mesmerizing closing season concert. The orchestra welcomes back Grammy award-winning bassist and prized collaborator Victor Wooten for the commissioned world premiere of La Lección Tres, a merging of music and philosophy moved forward in exuberant bass lines. The orchestra marks the centenary of Astor Piazzolla's birth with an arrangement of the catchy Suite from his Tango Opera, Maria de Buenos Aires, followed by Valerie Coleman's musical portrayal of entertainer and activist Josephine Baker's life.

Experience QuinTango and experience the stories, the culture, and the exhilaration of tango!

* Due to the easing of Covid restrictions on indoor gatherings, this concert will be held indoors, in the beautiful sanctuary at Grace Church in The Plains! Face masks required.*

This is tango like you’ve never imagined it: classical chops, jazz harmonies, and intimate arrangements written for the group by outstanding composers in Buenos Aires. ‘Chamber tango’ is the result of this musical alchemy, a middle ground that draws in lovers of both classical and non-classical music to experience the fullness of life—the stories, the culture, and the exhilaration of tango.

A joyous concert to come together after a challenging year to celebrate the season and our talented musicians. Featuring soloist Rafael Galvan-Herrera, and a brilliant composition by student-composer Kailyn Williams.

Please join us for our first in-person concert of the 2020-21 Season! With Special Guests: The Quintessentials & Furioso String Quartet. Compositions by Astor Piazzola, Antonio Vivaldi, Carlos Simon, Kailyn Williams, Luigi Boccherini, and more.

Date and Time:
Wed, Jun 2, 2021, 7:00 PM ET
Location:
The Woodland
60 Woodland Road 
Maplewood, NJ 07040

Performance Details

Julia Li Violin
Che-Hung Chen Viola
Yumi Kendall Cello

Traditional “Great Day,” from Three Spirituals
MacDowell “To a Wild Rose,” from Ten Woodland Sketches
Dohnányi Fifth movement, from Serenade
Dvořák First movement, from Miniatures

Julia Li (violin), Che-Hung Chen (viola), and Yumi Kendall (assistant principal cello) perform during three naturalization ceremonies in West Philadelphia, presided by Joel H. Slomsky, senior U.S. District Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 

The trio performs music that celebrates the U.S. as a nation of immigrants and diverse cultures, from MacDowell’s“To a Wild Rose,” from Ten Woodland Sketches to the first movement of Dvořák’s Miniatures. The program also features interviews with newly naturalized citizens.

Crowden Music Center is proud to present an online afternoon of masterworks performed by the award-winning Telegraph Quartet.

Eric Chin, violin
Joseph Maile, violin
Pei-Ling Lin, viola
Jeremiah Shaw, cello

PROGRAM:
Britten Three Divertimenti
Beethoven String Quartet No. 1 in F Major, Op. 18 No. 1
Brahms String Quartet No. 2 in A minor, Op. 51 No. 2

Cellist  Anita Graef joins us for an intimate performance of Bach's Cello Suite no. 2 in d minor and a conversation about the piece.