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Classical Tue Mar 05 2013
Pulling Strings: For classical music in Chicago, you got a guy - March 2013
By Elliot Mandel
Sure, I love the big symphonies, but in no other form can you see the music work than in chamber playing. Designed for intimate spaces and played among friends, chamber music began in a user-friendly format. After 200 years of chamber music writing, the best way to experience a performance is up close. Three concerts this month show off the variety of chamber forms and the limitless possibilities of the music. So get a seat down front.
Ballaké Sissoko & Vincent Segal
Of the 25 strings played by these two artists, 21 of them will be plucked on the kora, a harp-like instrument common in West African music, and brought to new audiences by Malian kora master Ballaké Sissoko and French cellist Vincent Segal. The duo's delicate, hypnotic music blends Malian and classical techniques, and courses with the energy and intimacy of chamber music. Tickets are $25 general, $23 members. Sunday, March 10, 7pm., Maurer Concert Hall, Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago.
Orion Ensemble
The Orion Ensemble continues its 20th Anniversary year with an eclectic program of chamber music variety. Soprano Patrice Michaels joins the ensemble in Schubert's beautiful song, "The Shepherd on the Rock," for soprano, clarinet, and piano, which he wrote in the final year of his life. In addition to rarely heard vocal works by Shostakovich, Vaughn Williams and Mozart, Orion performs Shostakovich's Piano Trio in e minor. A gripping work written in 1944, the Trio reflects the monumental destruction of World War II through the composer's trademark sarcasm, outrage, and quiet despair. Tickets are $26 general admission, $10 students. Wednesday, March 13, 7:30pm., PianoForte Salon, Fine Arts Building, Studio 825, 410 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Sunday, March 17, 3pm., Nichols Concert Hall, Music Institute of Chicago, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston.
Spektral Quartet: A Very Open Rehearsal
More than a chance to peek behind the scenes, the Spektral Quartet offers the audience an opportunity to participate in the process of creating chamber music. No, really. You can talk to the artists. While they're on stage. Make comments and ask questions as the Spektrals rehearse Verdi's Quartet in e minor. Free admission. Thursday, March 14, 7pm., Nichols Concert Hall, Music Institute of Chicago, 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston.
Programs, artists, and prices subject to change. Tickets subject to availability.
About the author: Elliot Mandel plays cello, attends lots of concerts, writes reviews, and takes pictures. March is the worst.
