Monday, December 27 — Orion Ensemble
Recognized as one of Chicago’s finest chamber music groups, the Orion Ensemble offers the possibilities inherent in its unique combination of instruments – piano, string trio, and clarinet. On Twilight of the Romantics, the ensemble presents world-premiere recordings of two forgotten gems from late-Romantic Vienna – Walter Rabl’s Clarinet Quartet, Op. 1, and Josef Labor’s Quintet, Op. 11.
Music
Clarinet Quartet in E-Flat major, Op. 1 by Walter Rabl
Tuesday, December 28 — Janet Sung
Violinist Janet Sung enjoys an acclaimed international career as a virtuoso soloist, recognized for her intense, exhilarating performances. She is currently Head of Strings and Violin Professor at the DePaul University School of Music. On Edge of Youth, she presents a collection of works by Benjamin Britten, Georges Enescu, and three dynamic living composers – Missy Mazzoli, Dan Visconti, and Gabriel Prokofiev.
Music
Lullaby; Waltz from Violin and Piano Suite, Op. 6 by Benjamin Britten
Wednesday, December 29 — KAIA String Quartet
The members of the KAIA String Quartet are passionate advocates of the rich music of Latin America. On the album Sureño, the quartet explores music from Buenos Aires, featuring Astor Piazzolla’s beloved Estaciones Porteñas. They also bring to light the music of Piazzolla’s cellist, José Bragato, a fantastic musician and composer in his own right.
Music
Tres Movimientos Porteños by José Bragato
Thursday, December 30 — Trio Settecento
Trio Settecento brings fresh insights to music from the Age of Enlightenment through its passionate, authoritative, and distinctive interpretations. An Italian Sojourn traces the remarkable musical innovations of composers in Venice, Rome, and beyond during the Baroque era through works by eight different composers.
Music
Sonata in C major, Op. 5, No. 3 by Arcangelo Corelli
Friday, December 31 – Impromptu Encore: Paul Galbraith
Paul Galbraith’s guitar has eight strings and he makes the most out of the extra high and low notes. Supported by an end-pin, the instrument rests on a wooden resonance box. Galbraith brought his unusual guitar and his unique playing to Impromptu in 2017.