When:
January 31, 2020
Exhibition 6 p.m.
Concert 7:30 p.m.
February 1, 2020
Panel discussion 5 p.m.
Exhibition 6 p.m.
Concert 7:30 p.m.
Where:
Nichols Concert Hall
1490 Chicago Avenue
Evanston
The Music Institute of Chicago celebrates Grammy and Pulitzer Prize-winning composer George Crumb, who recently celebrated his 90th birthday, with a festival of music, discussion, and exhibition
Concerts
Both programs feature Music Institute faculty and special guests. A reception of champagne and chocolates takes place during each performance.
The January 31 program includes Sun and Shadow with mezzo soprano Barbara Ann Martin and pianist Marie Alatalo; Makrokosmos I with pianist Marie Alatalo; Makrokosmos IV for four hands with pianists Louise Chan and Susan Tang; and Makrokosmos III with pianists Louise Chan and Fiona Queen and percussionists John Corkill and Joshua Graham.
The February 1 program includes Vox Balaenae (Voice of the Whale) with flutist Melissa Ngan, cellist Herine Coetzee Koschak, and pianist Katherine Petersen, all members of Fifth House Ensemble, performing on a stage filled with blue lighting; Eine Kleine Mitternacht Musik with pianist Katherine Petersen; Makrokosmos II with pianist Jeffrey Jacob; and Night of the Four Moons with mezzo soprano Barbara Ann Martin, flutist Caroline Pittman, percussionist Joshua Graham, and other musicians to be confirmed, conducted by James Setapen.
Panel Discussion
On February 1 at 5 p.m., a panel discussion on Crumb’s life and work will include composer William Neil, Barbara Ann Martin and other panelists to be announced. Crumb will have a presence during the discussion in a format to be determined.
Exhibition
A multimedia exhibit, including Crumb’s artistic and meticulously notated and autographed scores and a multimedia presentation including photos of the composer and video, will be on display at Nichols Concert Hall throughout the festival. Providing materials are Bridge Records, which is issuing an ongoing series of “Complete Crumb” recordings; Barbara Ann Martin; and others.
About George Crumb
Born in 1929, George Crumb is one of the most frequently performed composers in today’s musical world. He is the winner of Grammy and Pulitzer Prizes and continues to compose new scores in what the Music Institute spokesperson describes as “profoundly humanistic art”. . Crumb’s music often juxtaposes contrasting musical styles, ranging from music of the western art-music tradition, to hymns and folk music, to non-Western music. Many of his works include programmatic, symbolic, mystical, and theatrical elements, which are often reflected in his meticulously notated scores.
Tickets:
$25 in advance, $30 at the door, both concerts together $40
$10 panel discussion without concert ticket
More information is available at the Music Institute of Chicago website
