Recommendations from the Artistic Director: January 2011
| Knowing that Mozart and Schubert were born in January always warms up this cold, sunless, and messy Chicago month for me. Mozart’s birthday on January 27th and Schubert’s on January 31st are cause for hot chocolate and “Sacher Torte” (that wonderful Viennese chocolate cake) in my book! And, of course, the opportunity to play and listen to their music in a concentrated fashion helps “warm up” the frigid temperatures. My colleague Thomas Zoells of PianoForte Chicago has just the right idea here as well: his Schubertiade, a day-long celebration of Schubert’s music takes place on January 29, from 2 – 9 p.m., downtown in the beautiful salon of PianoForte Chicago in the Fine Arts Building (410 S. Michigan, 8th floor). He has put out a call to area musicians to fill the day with Schubert’s wonderful creations in the spirit of Schubert’s own tradition in his lifetime of gathering friends together around a piano and other instruments, passing evenings listening to his newly composed works, and playing others. If you can spare the time on January 29, I highly recommend a jaunt down to PianoForte… you will not be disappointed. Admission is free. You can find more information at schubertiadechicago.org. And then you can raise a glass to Schubert – AND Mozart while you are at it – for all the joy and marvel they have given the world in the many years since their births! As the Viennese would say, “Alles gute zum Geburtstag, Wolfi und Franzl!!” - Deborah Sobol
Artistic Director |
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
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