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Schubertiades and the Rush Hour Experience
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 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
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A Warm Winter Welcome
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 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. |
Fanfare Committee Corner
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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 RH'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.
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Recommendations from the Artistic Director
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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.
Click here for recommendations for listening, reading and concerts >>
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