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Classical Thu Oct 04 2012
Pulling Strings: For Classical Music in Chicago, You Got a Guy - October 2012
By Elliot Mandel
The CSO musicians' strike is over, the Cubs lost 101 games, and this
column celebrates its 1-year anniversary — how to celebrate? Go hear some music.
Chicago Chamber Musicians
In the city's only major celebration of the 150th anniversary of Claude Debussy's birth, Chicago Chamber Musicians will present a multi-concert, multi-venue festival devoted to this master of Impressionism. Among some of the rarely performed works are favorites that include sonatas for cello and violin, the piano trio, as well as the shimmering Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun and Suite Bergamasque for solo piano (the famous "Clair de Lune" is a thing of austere beauty). Check the website for ticket info--some admission is free. Begins October 1, runs through October 21. Multiple venues.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Music lovers were still whistling Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" melody 30 years after its premier when Brahms sat down to compose his first symphony in 1854. Wracked by self-doubt and public expectations that Brahms would carry Beethoven's musical torch, Brahms labored over his score for 21 years before its premiere. The work is unusually dark for a first symphony, adopting the tone of his hero, but full of the Romantic melodies that characterize Brahms' style (he would later become a spokesperson for arts education). The program also includes the Double Concerto for violin, cello, and orchestra featuring Renaud and Gautier Capuçon. Finnish conductor Osmo Vänskä will replace Bernard Haitink for these concerts. Tickets start at $34. October 18-20, 8pm. Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago.
Third Coast Percussion
No other group is quite like Third Coast Percussion, and Chicago is lucky to have this quartet of mallet swinging, drum pounding musicians. Aside from being top quality musicians, the members of Third Coast tour the country with their array of traditional and found instruments, perform in the rain in Millennium Park, and are active in community arts education projects in Chicago. Third Coast will perform the music of composer and visual artist Marita Bolles at North Branch Projects, a communal arts and bookbinding space. Saturday, October 20, 7pm. North Branch Projects, 3550 W. Lawrence, Chicago.
Fabio Biondi and Europa Galante
One of Europe's finest early music ensembles comes to University of Chicago's new — and much needed — Performance Hall for a program of Baroque music from Italy, France, and Spain. Performing on Baroque instruments, Europa Galante's style derives much from its enthusiastic leader, violinist Fabio Biondi, delivering energetic and graceful performances. If you love Baroque music, you'll love this concert; if you don't love Baroque music, this concert might change your mind. Tickets are $25, $5 for students. Tuesday, October 30, 7:30pm. Performance Hall, Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St., Chicago.
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, and loves October baseball.
