By M.L. RANTALA Classical Music Critics Inauguration Sunday found Music in the Loft hosting a sold-out recital that honored the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., commemorated the second inauguration of Barack Obama and celebrated the notable successes of African Americans in fighting oppression. The program of all American music was created and performed by(…)
Where: Civic Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive When: through Jan. 19 Phone: 312-332-2244 By M.L. RANTALA Classical Music Critic Fairy tales are an entertaining way of teaching children lessons, often laced with moral instruction. Lyric Opera is now offering a particularly entertaining version of the famous story of “Hänsel und Gretel” in the form(…)
By M.L. RANTALA Classical Music Critic There’s lots of hot music to come during the cold opening months of 2013, including several interesting performances right here in the neighborhood. University of Chicago Presents resumes on Saturday, Jan. 12, at 7:30 p.m., with a Contempo concert featuring the music of University of Chicago composers Anthony Cheung,(…)
By M.L. RANTALA Classical Music Critic Earlier this month at I-House, the Chicago Ensemble presented a pleasing concert devoted to piano trios. Mathias Tacke (violin), Andrew Snow (cello) and Gerald Rizzer (piano), performed a wide range of material in an engaging manner. The concert opened with Beethoven’s Trio No. 5 in D Major, op 70,(…)
RECOMMENDED Where: Civic Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Drive When: through Dec. 15 Tickets: $32-$239 Phone: 312-332-2244 By M.L. RANTALA Classical Music Critic Hilarity and hijinks are the watchwords at Lyric Opera of Chicago with the opening of “Don Pasquale.” Donizetti’s silly romp is given zesty treatment and is sure to please any fan of(…)
By M.L. RANTALA Classical Music Critic Esa-Pekka Salonen brought the London-based Philharmonia Orchestra to Chicago last week for just one concert Wednesday night featuring two splendidly rendered masterworks. The concert began with Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2. After a big opening attack, Salonen conducted with restraint, skillfully drawing out the gracious elements of the score. The(…)
By M.L. RANTALA Classical Music Critic Last month Chicago A Cappella drew over three hundred people to K.A.M.I.I., across the street from the Obama house, for a celebration of the work of Max Janowski. With only a few exceptions, used for contrast, the program was entirely the music of Janowski, who served as music director(…)
By M.L. RANTALA Classical Music Critic The South Shore Opera Company of Chicago celebrated its 4th anniversary at a gala concert at the South Shore Cultural Center the last Saturday of October. While still a young group, they have been deft at audience development and a a good-sized crowd in the Paul Robeson theater. The(…)