Monday, November 30 — Chicago Harp Quartet
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.
Music
Concerto No. 10 in B minor from L’Estro Armonico by Antonio Vivaldi
Tuesday, December 1 — Elgin Symphony Orchestra
Since its founding in 1950, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra has become one of the preeminent regional orchestras in the United States. This 2008 recording of Aaron Copland’s music was part of the ESO’s initiative In Search of Our American Voice, a multi-year festival tracing uniquely American themes from the 19th century to the present.
Music
Suite from The Tender Land by Aaron Copland
Wednesday, December 2 — Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert: Lincoln Trio
The Chicago-based Lincoln Trio —Desirée Ruhstrat, violin; David Cunliffe, cello; and Marta Aznavoorian, piano — takes its name from its home, the land of Lincoln. Formed in 2003, the trio has been praised for its polished presentations of well-known chamber works and its ability to forge new paths with contemporary repertoire.
Music
Music of Joaquín Turina, Stephanie Boyd, and Gabriel Fauré
Thursday, December 3 — Eighth Blackbird
Launched in 1996, Chicago-based Eighth Blackbird has earned its status as “a brand-name…defined by adventure, vibrancy and quality (Detroit Free Press).” Thirteen Ways was the group’s commercial recording debut on Cedille Records, featuring music by four of America’s most gifted composers: David Schober, Thomas Albert, Joan Tower, and George Perle.
Music
Petroushskates by Joan Tower
(Photo: Jennifer Taylor)
Friday, December 4 – Impromptu Encore: Benjamin Hochman
The New York Times has written of pianist Benjamin Hochman: “classical music doesn’t get better than this.” A winner of Lincoln Center’s Avery Fisher Career Grant, he performs in major cities around the world as an orchestral soloist, conductor, recitalist, and chamber musician. Hochman first performed live on WFMT’s Impromptu in 2009.
Music
Music of J.S. Bach, György Kurtág, and Johannes Brahms
