Out of the Darkness

It’s February, and here in Chicago we’re having a blast of winter the likes of which we have not seen in recent years. February is the shortest month of the year, but the cold and dark make it feel like one of the longest. As my sardonic Irish father often says, “It’s always darkest before the bottom falls out.” As I recently shoveled the ten inches of snow out of my driveway, I could really relate to that.

Last week I braved the cold and darkness to attend a concert. As I took my seat, I tried to warm up and settle into the right frame of mind to hear and enjoy the music. For me, that means taking a mental deep breath, watching people in the audience, and reading program notes. I often attend concerts alone, so I looked around to see how different groups of people prepared themselves. There was a lot of conversation, a lot of laughter, and excited interaction with those around them. Then, as the lights dimmed and the performers made their way onstage, the hall fell silent and expectant. The dark silence we created was the perfect backdrop for the glorious concert those artists gave us. It made the beauty of the music that much more exquisite.

Francis Bacon said, “In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.” Chicago is especially glorious in the spring and summer in contrast to the lingering memory of the dark of winter. February can be tough, but when the first whiff of spring floats by in late March and April, it is intoxicating. Although native Californians might disagree, the stark contrast of the seasons makes Chicago a crazy and wonderful place to live. (I will try to be so cheerful the next time I’m facing down a -20 degree wind…)

The same theory holds true with music. That backdrop of complete silence, even if only momentary, creates a tension and anticipation that amplifies the experience and allows the light of the music to shine with brilliance. Remember as we brave the cold and gloom that warmth and light are just around the corner: Rush Hour starts in four short months!

- Megan Balderston

Recommendations from the Artistic Director: January Listening, Reading, and Concerts

January is many things to many people. For me, January is Mozart and Schubert and the celebration of their birthdays, January 27 and 31, respectively.

When Mozart was 21 years old, he wrote the following to his father, Leopold: “I cannot write in verse, for I am no poet. I cannot arrange the parts of speech with such art as to produce effects of light and shade, for I am no painter. Even by signs and gestures I cannot express my thoughts and feelings, for I am no dancer. But I can do so by means of sounds, for I am a musician.”

It is said that Schubert was so in awe of Beethoven – the man and his music – that when he attended a party in his hometown of Vienna and heard Beethoven was there, he quickly rushed out the door, too shy to meet him!

I say, thank God for both men and the treasures they have left the world. Both of their music is profoundly close to the condition of the human heart and soul, regardless of century, country or native tongue.

I have a few recommendations in the listening and reading departments for you around these birthdays:

First, the Piano Quartets of Mozart, with Arthur Rubenstein and members of the Guarneri Quartet, which can be found on BMG. My favorite recording of Schubert’s Piano Trios (in the top ten of my favorite chamber music repertoire) is by Andras Schiff, Yuuko Shiokawa and Miklos Perenyi. This disc, on Teldec, holds the bonus of the “Notturno” (a one movement piece of heaven) and his very demanding “Arpeggione Sonata” played here by cellist Perenyi and pianist Schiff.

Many people do not know that Mozart’s father, Leopold, was an esteemed pedagogue in the 19th century. (Most know him as the promoter and mentor of his famous son.) His book, A Treatise on the Fundamental Principles of Violin Playing, from Oxford Press is a treasure of teaching insights as well as a peek into the mind of Mozart’s father and the performance style of the 18th century.

Schubert’s Vienna, from Yale University Press and edited by Raymond Erickson, takes the reader to the 18th century hometown of Schubert for 31 years and creates a fascinating and complete backdrop of this imperial city against which Schubert wrote his music daily.

Along with birthdays this month, my mind turns to children: Thirteen years ago, as a parent of young children, I was motivated to create The Chicago Chamber Musicians’ Annual Family Concert. I deliberately chose January as the month for this, in an effort to give parents something enriching and fun to do on weekend mornings, when they wouldn’t have competition from weekend soccer, baseball and other outdoor kids’ activities. I’ve been very pleased to see this annual event flourish. It is now in its thirteenth year, and partnering with Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier – a great winter spot for families.

This year’s concert, “Classical Idol,” takes place this weekend, January 19th and 20th, with two morning shows each day. For $2 off each ticket, call the Box Office (312.595.5600) and mention promotion code 5004 to receive your discount. There is a limit of 4 discounted tickets, and the offer is subject to availability and cannot be used in combination with any other offers or on previously purchased tickets. More information can be found on the CCM website.

And, if you are interested in hearing gifted kids perform, check out the “Young, Gifted and Stellar Musicians in Concert” featuring students from the Merit School of Music this Sunday, January 20th at 4 p.m. at St. James Cathedral. More information can be found on the St. James website.

There’s any number of things to keep you warm and inspired this month – both at home and out and about in our great city!

Cheers,

Deborah Sobol

Schubertiades and the Rush Hour Experience

As Deborah Sobol recognizes the birthdates of two eminent chamber music composers- Mozart and Schubert- we at Rush Hour consider the “Schubertiade” concept and how it resonates with the Rush Hour experience. In modern Europe, it is fairly common to hear of Schubertiades, or series that celebrate specifically the music of Schubert, generally in a modified chamber music setting. The most famous Schubertiade is one that runs practically year round in Austria. The term “Schubertiade” was actually coined by Schubert’s friends, who used to get together to read through his vocal works and chamber music at informal house parties. Modern presenters have translated this intimate party into intimate chamber music series. In Schwarzenberg, Austria, the largest Schubertiade festival started in the early 1970s with a limited number of concerts and has grown into 70 annual events with over 30,000 visitors.

What does Rush Hour have in common with this behemoth? Intent, for one thing. Reading through visitor reviews of this massive Schubertiade, I’m struck with consistent references to nature, the humanities, and hospitality. These are all aspects of the Rush Hour experience- an emphasis on the atmosphere and community surrounding the music that we present.

As plugged in as I am to technology, television, my cell phone and all of the “necessary evils” of this time in history, I know that within our reach are profound and meaningful experiences that have nothing to do with YouTube and Facebook. All I have to do is think back to Rush Hour last summer. While you’re waiting for June, why not invite a group of friends over, open some wine and stand around the piano, play a board game, or have a conversation about a book? Talk about things that inspire your soul, have some good food and wine… and then come tell us about it in June.

- Megan Balderston

Fanfare for Your New Year’s Resolutions

Did you make a new year’s resolution to:

• get more involved in your community?
• listen to more music / attend more concerts?
• meet new people / network / make new friends?

If any of these resolutions are on your list, consider joining Rush Hour’s Fanfare Committee.

The Fanfare Committee is comprised of Chicago-area young professionals (under 40) who help expand Rush Hour’s outreach to new audiences and generate revenue through products and events, which help keep Rush Hour free and accessible to all.

To learn more about how you can get involved with the Fanfare Committee, please contact Managing Director Julie Hutchison at julie@rushhour.org or 773.338.9480.

A Warm Winter Welcome

Rush Hour is pleased to welcome two new staff members to its team.

Development Assistant Jen Stapf (left) is working in fundraising and board development. Jen’s past experience includes positions at Lyric Opera of Chicago and LA Opera.

Intern Joslyn Teng (right), a senior at Northwestern University, is assisting with marketing, development, community outreach, and audience enrichment projects.