NIU’s Avalon String Quartet will welcome the renowned Chicago Chamber Musicians to join forces for a performance of Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring.”
The free concert begins at 8 p.m. Thursday, May 2, in the Boutell Memorial Concert Hall at NIU.
Founded in 1986, the Chicago Chamber Musicians is one of the nation’s most highly regarded ensembles. Its artist roster includes past and current members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as well as winners of prestigious awards, including the Avery Fisher Career Grant and the Naumburg Award.
The highlight of the May 2 program of American is music is Copland’s “Appalachian Spring” for 13 instruments. This work, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1945, is more commonly heard in its full orchestra version; this performance will be a rare opportunity to hear the piece in its original chamber music scoring (without conductor).
Also on the program are Leonard Bernstein’s Clarinet Sonata, performed by Larry Combs, former principal clarinet of the Chicago Symphony; Amy Beach’s Piano Quintet; and a three-minute solo cello tour de force by composer/cellist Clancy Newman, a CCM artist member.
Earlier in the day, CCM artists will give master classes to NIU students on violin, viola, cello, flute, clarinet and piano.
“The Chicago Chamber Musicians are an extraordinary ensemble,” said Anthony Devroye, violist of the Avalon Quartet and a faculty member in the NIU School of Music. “This program features some of the best American music of the 20th century, and is sure to be a highlight of the concert season.”
For more information, contact adevroye@niu.edu.
