Classical Thu Aug 30 2012

Pulling Strings: For classical music in Chicago, you got a guy - September 2012

By Elliot Mandel

By Elliot Mandel

Music is like drugs — really, it's science — and if you're like me, you're itching for concert season to start up again. Luckily, it's September and your options are plentiful. Head to Millennium Park for one last outdoor hurrah, or have the elevator operator take you to the eighth floor of the Fine Arts Building. A woman on the Lawrence bus once told me "Bach is better than Xanax," and who am I to argue?

Fulcrum Point - Annual Concert for Peace: Harmony - East Meets West
Fulcrum Point New Music Project has been a leading presenter of contemporary music in Chicago for 14 years. More than a lofty ideal, Fulcrum Point's annual Concert for Peace celebrates the ability of music to heal and create dialogue between cultures. This year's concert features Native American flutist R. Carlos Nakai, Grant Park Symphony Orchestra principal flutist Mary Stolper, and Chicago band Zamin in unusual and innovative music from Shulamit Ran (Israel), David Dzubay (United States), and Zhou Long (China). After this summer of violence, a little thoughtful music goes a long way. General admission is $20, $10 for students. Free for Chicago police officers, firefighters, and their families by RSVP to info@fulcrumpoint.org. Tuesday, September 11, 7:30pm. Chase Auditorium, 10 S. Dearborn.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Millennium Park
Did you miss the CSO's performances of Carmina Burana in January? See this monumental tribute to fate that features a drunken pastor, lust and debauchery, and one morbidly charred goose as Riccardo Muti and the CSO and Chorus blast "O Fortuna" to the lakefront. Admission is free. Friday, September 21, 6:30pm. Pritzker Pavilion, Millennium Park.

Clarinetist Anthony McGill

Music in the Loft
Music in the Loft — the venerable and quintessential chamber music experience — kicks off its season with one of the best string quartets in the world. The Pacifica Quartet plays with a refined style and sensitivity that knows no equal. With a seemingly endless repertoire, the Pacifica has attracted a loyal following in Chicago while garnering critical praise everywhere. Joining the Pacifica is clarinetist Anthony McGill, whom you may recognize from such presidential inaugurations as Barack Obama's. McGill has won all the major prizes and is currently principal clarinetist of the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra in New York. His elegant playing will be well-suited to the Pacifica in a collaboration that will have chamber music enthusiasts clamoring for tickets. Program includes the Beethoven String Quartet No. 13, Op. 130 and the Brahms Clarinet Quintet in B Minor. Tickets are $25, $10 for students. Saturday, September 15, 7:30pm; Sunday, September 16, 3:00pm. Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 801.

Pacifica Quartet

Chicago Philharmonic
As part of the seventh annual Latino Music Festival, the Chicago Philharmonic begins its season featuring music and artists from Brazil. Grammy-winner, former principal oboist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and Brazil native Alex Klein will bring his graceful playing to Osvaldo Lacerda's Oboe Concerto. Also on the program are works by Antônio Carlos Gomes and Luduino Pitombeira that capture the infectious harmonies, rhythms, and images of Brazil. The program concludes with Tchaikovsky's thunderous Piano Concerto No. 1, performed by Brazilian pianist Arnaldo Cohen. Tickets start at $25. Sunday, September 30, 7pm. Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston.

Programs, artists, and prices subject to change. Tickets subject to availability.

Hear a great concert recently? Have a tip on an upcoming show? Talk about it in the comments.

About the author: Elliot Mandel plays cello, attends lots of concerts, writes reviews, takes pictures, loves sports, and still hates back-to-school commercials.