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Classical Tue Dec 02 2014
Pulling Strings: For Classical Music in Chicago, You Got a Guy - December 2014
Bluebeard's Castle at Thalia Hall
If you see only one psychologically bizarre, and fantastically creepy opera this month, make it Bartok's Bluebeard's Castle. The one-act opera opens as Bluebeard and his new wife, Judith, arrive at the castle following their elopement. Faced with seven doors, Judith discovers her new husband's dark, horrific past. This visually-arresting opera features acclaimed soloists Andrea Silvestrelli (bass) and Kara Shay Thomson (soprano) in Bartok's gripping score. Francesco Milioto conducts the New Millennium Orchestra. Tickets start at $10. Thursday, December 4, 8:30pm. Thalia Hall, 1807 S. Allport.
Fifth House Ensemble's Favorite Things
5HE's holiday party is as close as I'll get to recommending a holiday-themed concert, mostly because some of their favorite things include Shostakovich, Miguel del Aguila, and Marc Mellits. Enjoy cookies and booze and the potential for an audience kazoo-along. Proceeds benefit 5HE's music programs in Chicago schools. Tickets start at $12. Saturday, December 6, 7pm. Constellation, 3111 N. Western Ave.
Diligence : Magic :: Progress : Flight
After several years in the making, violinist J. Austin Wulliman (Spektral Quartet), composer Katherine Young, and Ensemble Dal Niente give the premiere of Young's Diligence is to Magic as Progress is to Flight. The multi-movement work is scored for solo violin, solo viola, and violin/chamber orchestra, and features eight-channel installations of recorded sound and altered acoustic instruments. The sound manipulation is part written music and part improvisation. The piece is new music label's Parlour Tapes+ latest release on stereo cassette tape and digital download; everyone in the audience will receive a copy of the tape. Tickets are $15. Sunday, December 14, 8:30pm. Constellation, 3111 N. Western Ave.
All the Brandenburg Concertos
If you missed the Chicago Symphony Orchestra's run of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos last month — or if you absolutely must hear them again — you are a lucky classical music loving person. The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center returns to Chicago for a one-night-only performance of the six Brandenburgs, gems of Bach's orchestral repertoire. Tickets start at $30. Thursday, December 18, 7:30pm. Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph.
Programs, artists, and prices subject to change.Tickets subject to availability.
About the author: Elliot Mandel photographs classical concerts and you should hire him for your next show. He also writes reviews and plays cello.