Make a Difference This Week for Rush Hour
It’s time for Rush Hour’s annual holiday mailing, and we need your help! If you have as little as one hour to spare this week (November 16 – 23), you can join the small army that helps send our holiday cheer.
High school students can count volunteer hours at Rush Hour toward community service requirements.
Contact me for more information at eliza AT rushhour.org or 773.338.9480.
-Eliza K. Warren
Marketing and Development Associate
Recommendations from the Artistic Director: Late November 2010
Rush Hour has become known for its partnerships with Chicago Consulates General and associated cultural institutions as we highlight culture and cuisine from around the world throughout each summer season. Here are 3 event recommendations with the same global inspiration in mind:
Tuesday, November 16
6:00 p.m.
Harold Washington Library Center
Cindy Pritzker Auditorium
Free admission: seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.
As part of the commemoration of Mexico 2010, Mexican-born and world-renowned cellist Carlos Prieto will discuss and sign copies of his book, The Adventures of a Cello. His book traces the history of his instrument, dubbed ‘Cello Prieto,’ from its creation in 1720 through each of its previous owners, including Antonio Stradivari. He will also share stories from his collaborations with friends including Igor Stravinsky, Dmitri Shostakovich, Pablo Casals and Mstislav Rostropovich. And, as a rare treat, Mr. Prieto will perform a recital of solo cello works by Bach.
University of Chicago Presents
Friday, November 19
7:30 p.m.
Mandel Hall
For ticket information, call 773-702-8069
Macedonian pianist Simon Trpčeski, a student of Russian legends Ludmilla and Boris Romanov, will make his Chicago chamber music debut violinist Gjorgji Dimchevski and Rush Hour and CSO cellist Kenneth Olsen. This program, part of the 16-month long Soviet Arts Experience, will feature Shostakovich’s Piano Trio in E minor, Op. 67.
Sunday, December 5
3:00 p.m.
Chicago Fine Arts Building
$20 general admission tickets
My colleague Winston Choi will perform with his wife, violinist MingHuan Xu, in a program of Schumann, Brahms, Saint-Saens, Kirsten Broberg, and André Boucourechliev at PianoForte’s intimate venue in the historic Fine Arts Building.
-Deborah Sobol
Artistic Director
Community Partner Spotlight: Trader Joe’s and Argo Tea
One of Rush Hour’s most distinctive features is its pre-concert reception, where you can enjoy a snack, meet with friends, and mingle with the artists prior to the performance. Rush Hour is grateful to 2 local businesses for their support in providing these refreshments each week.
Trader Joe’s provides appetizers throughout the summer. Their friendly crew members work with Rush Hour’s staff and volunteers to create memorable pairings of food to Rush Hour’s weekly concert program themes. Please thank them for their 4 years of support the next time you stop in for your groceries (and a taste of whatever delectable new product they are serving at the sample station!)
Argo Tea quenches your thirst each week as you arrive at the concert. You may have spotted the Argo Tea server wheeling their cart loaded with gallons of tea down Rush Street to the Cathedral – rain or shine – every Tuesday. We’re delighted to say that you’ve helped make Argo Tea a success over the last 4 years of partnership: you can now visit 14 Chicago area locations, as well as outposts in New York and St. Louis. Their spicy and sweet pumpkin chai is a Rush Hour staff favorite for the fall months!
-Julie Hutchison
Managing Director
For a full list of Rush Hour’s community partners, visit our sponsor page.
Rush Hour Encores: 2010 Line-up Announced!
“Rush Hour Encores” is launching in just 10 days at the Mayne Stage in Rogers Park, presented by WFMT 98.7 FM.
Starting this month, your favorite Rush Hour artists will be performing encores of this summer’s Rush Hour programs – plus additional chamber music favorites – one Sunday each month from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Experience the concerts again in person, or listen in as the concerts are broadcast live on WFMT 98.7 FM and streaming online.
Encore artists from Rush Hour’s August 10 program:
Join CSO cellists Kenneth Olsen and Brant Taylor as they perform works by François Couperin, Tanya Anisimova, and Jean-Baptiste Barrière.
Encore of Rush Hour’s July 27th program:
Cellist Brant Taylor and pianist Kuang-Hao Huang thrilled 600 audience members this summer with Frédéric Chopin’s Sonata for Cello and Piano in G minor, Op. 65 – don’t miss this chance to hear it again.
Encore of Rush Hour’s June 29th program:
Fifth House Ensemble received a standing ovation at Rush Hour this summer after their performance of young American composer Kevin Puts’ Quintet for Piano and Strings (“The Red Snapper”).
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased directly from Mayne Stage or at the door. Rush Hour looks forward to sharing this great music again with you!
*all programs subject to change
Recommendations from the Artistic Director: October 2010
The colors inside concert halls in the coming weeks promise to be just as rich as the splendor outdoors. Below are several recommendations which are sure to delight:
The Chicago Chamber Musicians
Sunday, October 24
7:30 p.m.
Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, Evanston
and
Monday, October 25
Harris Theatre for Music and Dance, Chicago
Tickets start at $20 ($10 for students)
2 p.m.
Fulton Recital Hall, 1010 E. 59th
Free admission
Hear collaborations between faculty and students from the University of Chicago as they continue the celebration of Schumann’s 200th birthday year.
8:00 p.m.
DePaul University Concert Hall
Free admission
Fifth House Ensemble
Wednesday, November 17 8:00 p.m.
Mayne Stage
Tickets: $20
Fifth House Ensemble presents their first subscription concert of the fall season, “The Weaver’s Tale: of the fearless boy and the loveless girl.” Based on Grimm’s fairytales, “The Weaver’s Tales” is designed to be a multimedia experience incorporating music, storytelling, physical theatre and fashion design.
- Deborah Sobol
Artistic Director
Introducing Rush Hour’s Fall Team
2010 marks the fifth year of our internship program, which gives college students hands-on participation in and education on the operations of Rush Hour. We have been fortunate to have had stellar teams of young people with a passion for live music and community building with us each year, thanks to generous funding from the James S. Kemper Foundation.
2009 summer intern Eliza Warren enjoyed her experience with Rush Hour so much that she joined us as an intern again this summer – and has now joined the staff permanently as Rush Hour’s Marketing & Development Associate.
Also joining us in the office this fall are two very talented fall interns, who are bringing in their fresh perspectives from their universities at opposite ends of the city.
In the spirit of our “bullet point” artist bios, here is a brief introduction to this team:
Eliza Warren
- A recent graduate of Smith College in Northampton, MA, where she received a degree in Sociology
- Served as Musical Director/President of the Smith College Noteables, an all-female a cappella group, as well as a member of Smith’s Gold Key Society of tour guides
- Enjoys photography, traveling, arranging music, and being in her hometown of Portland, ME
- “I wanted to get involved with Rush Hour because it seemed like an organization that really puts its audience first. You don’t have to be a classical music buff to go and enjoy a Rush Hour concert and every time I see a new concert or meet a new artist, I feel like I have learned something and experienced music in a way I never have before.”
Emily Barth, Northwestern University ’12
- A current junior at Northwestern University in Evanston, pursuing a music performance degree
- Performs with various university ensembles and theatre productions on campus, is a member of the horn studio under Gail Williams, and is an active member at the Sheil Catholic Center on campus
- Enjoys volunteering, drawing and painting, playing sports, being with her family in Texas, and, of course, practicing her French horn
- “I saw Rush Hour as a great opportunity to support the Chicago community and the rising young musicians this great city fosters. I love being a part of Rush Hour so I can share my love of classical music with the masses.”
Lloyd Lee, University of Chicago ’11
- A fourth-year at the University of Chicago majoring in Political Science with a minor in Music, he is currently working on his thesis comparing the use of the Internet by grassroots political campaigns in the U.S. and South Korea
- Has studied the clarinet for ten years, and continues to be involved with the music scene at the U of C; also has worked with other non-profits in Chicago and in his hometown of Austin, Texas
- His days are currently consumed by further developing his photographic style, listening to Wagner overtures, and awaiting the season finale of Mad Men
- “Rush Hour provides a great opportunity for busy Chicagoans to enjoy fantastic classical music in a wonderful venue for free. When I saw the programming for the first time I was blown away. I hope I can contribute to Rush Hour’s success and help increase the younger audience.”
Community Partner Spotlight: WFMT
June 2010 marked the beginning of a dynamic partnership between Rush Hour and 98.7 WFMT, as the station began live broadcasts of Rush Hour’s summer season; the partnership continues this fall with the Mayne Stage “Rush Hour Encores” series.
WFMT is a Chicago landmark: since 1951, the station has provided classical music and fine arts programming to Chicago. In recent years, they have expanded their reach to listeners around the world via syndication and online streaming.
WFMT is known for its dedication to live broadcasts, and Rush Hour is delighted to join the station’s storied history as a creative partner.
Through this collaboration, Rush Hour is bringing its great music for busy lives to hundreds of thousands of listeners in Chicago and beyond. Rush Hour hopes you’ll continue to listen in!
To view a complete list of Rush Hour’s community partners, visit our sponsor page.
Highlights from Rush Hour’s 11th Season: The Best Yet!
This season, a roster of over 60 world-class artists performed 14 programs of great live music, broadcast live via radio and online by 98.7 WFMT…
…over 5,800 people attended the season’s concert events, 25% of whom were under the age of 40…
…over 400 pounds of fruit and cheese, 5,600 cookies, brownies, and pastries, and over 1,500 glasses of wine were served by more than 30 volunteers of all ages at the summer’s pre-concert receptions…
…20 consulates, cultural offices, and local businesses joined Rush Hour’s roster of community partners, expanding the Rush Hour experience with exclusive discounts, giveaways, and access to special events…
…and over 20,000 people have visited the Rush Hour website this year, which includes the podcast series Rush Hour Conversations, a Flickr photo album with hundreds of photos of the season’s concerts, and videos of Rush Hour activities.
Thank you again to all who have contributed financially at all levels to help us ensure that Rush Hour enters next season without a deficit and can remain free and available to all.
- Julie Hutchison
Managing Director
Recommendations from the Artistic Director: September 2010
Though Rush Hour’s summer season has ended, there is a wealth of great music to experience live in Chicago. Three ensembles whose members appear regularly at Rush Hour are beginning their fall seasons in the coming weeks – I hope to see you at these concerts!
- Deborah Sobol
Artistic Director
Third Coast Percussion
Saturday, September 18
7:30 p.m.
Merit School of Music
Catch Third Coast Percussion’s first performance of the fall season as they showcase John Cage’s “Constructions” this Saturday at the Merit School of Music.
Click here to see footage of Rush Hour in the studio with Third Coast Percussion as they prepare for their upcoming performance this Saturday.
Sunday, September 19
7:30 p.m.
Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, Evanston
Monday, September 20
7:30 p.m.
Merit School of Music, Chicago
Fifth House EnsembleSunday, October 3
2:00 p.m.
The Green Mill, Chicago
Community Partner Spotlight: St. James Cathedral
Known to many Rush Hour fans as simply the magnificent venue for each summer Tuesday’s concerts, St. James Cathedral is much more – a true partner in every sense of the word. St. James is known throughout Chicago as a “beacon of hospitality” and has provided space and staff assistance to Rush Hour for each of its concert events for the last eleven years.
There are a multitude of public events that take place at the Cathedral year-round, from Thursday neighborhood nights in the Cafe and the annual pet blessing in October to the Let’s Talk About It forums and the Cathedral Music series. St. James welcomes you to two major events of note in the coming weeks:
St. James Cathedral “Be Opened Night”
Tuesday, October 19
6:00-9:00 p.m. $75/person
The Allerton Hotel
St. James Cathedral’s inaugural “Be Opened Night” features all you can eat and drink at the Allerton Hotel’s historic Tip Top Tap ballroom, accompanied by the musical strains of St. James Cafe favorites Leandro Varady and Marguerite Mariama.
Tickets are available at 65 E. Huron and online.
For more information, call Ann Ryba at 312.787.7360.
St. James Cathedral Music Series
Continue to enjoy great music this fall and winter at the Cathedral. Bruce J. Barber II, St. James’ Director of Cathedral Music, has created a superb series of concerts starting in October. Stay tuned to the St. James website or call Bruce Barber at 312.751.6724 for more details on the opening concert.
Rush Hour’s 11th season was rich in community partners! Click here to see a full list of Rush Hour’s creative collaborators.
Support Us
Join Our Mailing List
Explore More Online