John von Rhein of Chicago Tribune suggests that in 2009 you resolve to:
“Make listening to contemporary music an essential part of your life: You don’t have to like every new score you hear, of course. But you shouldn’t shun music just because it’s unfamiliar—you might even find yourself turned on by sounds fresh and exciting. No contemporary ensemble based in Chicago serves up such sounds with greater polish and gusto than eighth blackbird. The dynamic group will join with the renowned Hilliard Ensemble to perform works of Stephen Hartke on Feb. 19 as part of its second season at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph Drive.” (312-334-7777)
We couldn’t agree more.
“From Haydn to Hartke, Chicago’s classical lineup is ‘second’ to none”
Also, in the Arts section of the new year’s first Sunday Chicago Tribune, John includes eighth blackbird’s February 19th concert with the Hilliard Ensemble in his list of the “more promising performances from a packed ‘second season.’”
“eighth blackbird: The city’s most out-there band of contemporary music explorers presents a profile of composer Stephen Hartke, assisted by vocalists from the Hilliard Ensemble. Feb. 19; Harris Theater for Music and Dance, 205 E. Randolph St.; 312-334-7777″
Get your tickets now!
Comments 1
This is something I’m definitely trying to do: write more *and* listen more. It’s difficult for someone in my, shall we say, socioeconomic circumstance, to do a lot of listening. Coming to see you guys do the Reich has been the one success in that area in the last year. I am writing more, and finding more modern recordings by hook or by crook. Itunes has been a great help in this regard: when I was in school finding new music meant hunting through the bins at the used record store for Nonesuch cutouts. It took forever, and what you found was what they happened to have (granted, I came away with some great stuff that way). Now I can just type in a name and viola, there it is. But of course, as I was reminded by you folks at the Kennedy Center, recordings are just not the same as seeing it *live*. Glad I found your blog, have subbed to the RSS feed, and I’ll be sure to catch you next time through DC!
Posted 19 Jan 2009 at 5:15 PM ¶Post a Comment