Monday, December 2 — Bella Voce: The Armed Man
Bella Voce, “Chicago’s premier chamber choir” (Chicago Tribune), explores some of the many ravishing Renaissance works based on a surprising source: the French secular song L’homme armé (The Armed Man). Almost fifty masses, dated between 1450 and 1700, have used the melody. Despite its fame, no one really knows the origin of the tune. Works by Josquin, Morales, Ockeghem, and Busnoys are featured on this album by Bella Voce under Artistic Director Andrew Lewis
Music
Alma redemptoris mater by Johannes Ockeghem
Tuesday, December 3— Chicago Harp Quartet: Dance Sketches
Founded in 2012, the Chicago Harp Quartet has established itself as the leading harp ensemble in the United States. The quartet brings its signature mix of original transcriptions of Baroque, Classical, and Romantic repertoire, and new works by the world’s leading composers. “Dance Sketches” is comprised of almost all original works written for the ensemble, along with some of their most popular arrangements.
Music
Dancing for Love, Dancing for the Gods by Bruce Broughton
Wednesday, December 4 — Pianist Sheng Cai at Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert
Pianist Sheng Cai has concertized throughout North America, South America, Asia, and Europe. Since his debut with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra at just fifteen years old, he has been invited to perform as guest soloist with dozens of orchestras worldwide.
Music
Piano Sonata in E Minor, Op. 7 by Edvard Grieg
Polonaise-Fantaisie in A-Flat Major, Op. 61 by Frédéric Chopin
Malagueña from Suite Espagnole by Ernesto Lecuona
California Guitar Trio (Image: cgtrio.com)
Thursday, December 5 — WFMT Impromptu with California Guitar Trio
The universe of guitar knows no boundaries for the California Guitar Trio. Since 1991, the group has enthralled listeners with a singular sound that fearlessly crisscrosses genres. The trio’s questing spirit drives it to explore the intersections between rock, jazz, classical, and world music. Comprised of Bert Lams, Hideyo Moriya, and Paul Richards, the group has established a unique personal connection with audiences.
Music
To be announced
Friday, December 6 — Marc-André Hamelin
Marc-André Hamelin is recognized the world over for his consummate musicianship and brilliant technique. He has received multiple Grammy nominations, and his three-disc recording of the music of Ferruccio Busoni was honored with the 2014 ECHO Klassik Instrumentalist of the Year award. On May 3, 2019, Hamelin performed in the Skyline Piano Artist Series at Northwestern University’s Galvin Recital Hall.
Music
Scherzo No. 4 in E Major, Op. 54 by Frédéric Chopin