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)

Join Quintet Attacca as they perform for the New Music DePaul series featuring works by David Smooke, Ligeti, Anderson, and Carl Schimmel.

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.

Chicago Chamber Musicians
Sunday, September 19
7:30 p.m.
Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, Evanston

and

Monday, September 20
7:30 p.m.
Merit School of Music, Chicago

The Chicago Chamber Musicians kick off their 24th subscription concert series with music from Dohnányi, Bartók, and Schumann.  Click here to see their full list of concerts this fall season.

Fifth House Ensemble
Sunday, October 3
2:00 p.m.
The Green Mill, Chicago

Don’t miss an encore performance of Kevin Puts’ “Red Snapper Quintet,” featured this summer at Rush Hour, as members of Fifth House Ensemble perform at the Rapido Midwestern Semi-Finals.  Click here for additional performance information.