Free Young People’s Concerts Chicago Cultural Center
Where: Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., 312-744-6630, Preston Bradley Hall, 3rd Floor South. Take the elevators at the Washington Street entrance.
When: Thursdays, November 21, December 19, 2019; January 23, February 20, March 19, April 23, May 14, 21 & 28, 2020. 10:30am & 12pm
Ballet Chicago Thursday, November 21
In another captivating “Young Artists for Young Audiences” program, Ballet Chicago teams up with the Merit School of Music to bring to the stage exciting world premieres by rising young DanceVision choreographers, performed live by Ballet Chicago Studio Company dancers and members of the Merit School of Music Suzuki-Alegre String Ensemble. Also on the program are excerpts from Ballet Chicago’s magnificent “Nutcracker”, and the ever popular audience participation “mini lesson “in Ballet.
Sapphire Woodwind Quintet Thursday, December 19
Join the musicians of Sapphire Woodwind Quintet on a trip in a musical time machine as magic from Harry Potter’s music sends us back to visit composers of the past. You’ll find out the mysteries of how each instrument works and get to hear the happy melodies of Mozart and Beethoven. You’ll also hear beautiful French pieces that paint a picture and tell a story, plus dance-inspired pieces from Cuba and the U.S.
D-Composed (String Quartet) Thursday, January 23
D-Composed is a chamber music experience that celebrates and centers on Black musicians, Black composers, and the Black experience. Their goal is to redefine as well as modernize the classical music experience. The Quartet believes that it is important to preserve Black history in the classical field as well as forge new paths for those who continue to share the legacy of Black composers. Their practice is rooted in the power of collaboration. When one of us succeeds, all of us succeed, and it is their mission to elevate others throughout this musical journey.
Jazz Mata Thursday, February 20
The heritage of the Indian subcontinent is rich in its diversity, including many indigenous subcultures that have song and dance traditions which trace back over two thousand years. The Quintet has come up with an extremely informative show connecting a wide range of topics which explore a variety of traditions with authentic examples in each. From ancient Sanskrit language chants to medieval bhakti tradition songs in Hindi, from poems of Tagore in Bengali to modern folkloric dance songs; Jazz Mata takes you on a journey through songs, drums and folkloric dances, while showcasing different modes, raga melodies and intricate meters and beats.
TBA Thursday, March 19
Concert Orchestra / CYSO Thursday, April 23
Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO) has provided music education through orchestral programs and performance opportunities of the highest caliber since 1946. Led by conductor Michael Mascari, CYSO’s Concert Orchestra features over 100 school-age musicians hailing from across the Chicago region. Concert Orchestra performs advanced orchestral repertoire from the 19th and 20th centuries as well as new works by contemporary composers. Between pieces, conductor Michael Mascari, along with some of the ensemble’s teen musicians, will demonstrate individual instruments and take questions from the audience.
Axiom Brass Quintet Thursday, May 14
Let’s Make Music is a multicultural, educational music program designed to expose students to the fascinating and diverse world of classical music. This concert is an exciting journey around the world, exploring different cultures through music. During the concert, Axiom will perform musical selections from Germany, Argentina, USA, France, and more. These compositions are carefully chosen to introduce students to different styles and elements of music, and every composition is paired with entertaining information about the composer, the style of the piece, and the unique characteristics of each brass instrument. The presentation is sure to ignite your students’ curiosity for classical music and the brass family.
Kaiso Steel Orchestra / CYSO Thursday, May 21
Come dance along with the students of CYSO’s Kaiso Steel Orchestra as they put on an energetic performance that is both exciting and educational. This performance consists of music ranging from Trinidad’s traditional calypso and soca music, to classical music, pop music, and beyond! Throughout the performance the audience will gain knowledge of the history and origin of the instrument, as well as an understanding of each instrument that makes up the steelpan family and the role they play in the ensemble.
Kings of Soul Thursday, May 28
A fresh take on great Soul Music! Otis Redding, Sam Cooke and others wrote some of the most memorable and enduring Soul/R& B songs ever recorded. This new ensemble presents some of the amazing Soul catalog with a Spanish/Cuban guitar and piano accompaniment, as well as new arrangements featuring the rhythms of Andalusia. The expressiveness presented in American soul and Spanish flamenco is undeniable.
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About the Chicago Cultural Center
The Chicago Cultural Center, opened in 1897, was the first permanent Chicago Public Library after the original library was lost in the Chicago fire in 1871. In addition to the library the building was also a Grand Army of the Republic Memorial (on the north side) dedicated to Northern soldiers who fought in the Civil War. All the Civil War artifacts once displayed here are now located at the Harold Washington Library. Here’s the buildings extensive history.
The City of Chicago refers to it as “a People’s Palace – a celebration of the arts, education, Chicago, and the world.”
There is also a free building tour showcasing the Greek-inspired (north side) and Roman-inspired (south side) architecture, two domes (one of which is the world’s largest Tiffany Dome) and ornate multi-colored mosaics, marble and decorative molding.
Public Group Tours:
- Tours are presented Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 1:15 pm.
- Tours meet in the Randolph Street lobby.
- The group will be limited to the first twenty people.
- To schedule tours for groups of ten or more at other times, contact Anna Marie Gazzi at 312.744.7917.
Private Group Tours:
- Trained docents will conduct free, prearranged private tours for adult groups on Mondays though Fridays, 9 am-3 pm.
- Private tours are not available during weekends.
- Private tours are designed for adults and teenagers 13 years and over.
- Group sizes are limited, call for details.
- Reservations must be made at least one week in advance of the scheduled date by calling 312.744.7917.
- Private tours begin at the Chicago Cultural Center Information Desk in the Randolph Street lobby.
- All self-guided group tours must check in with security upon entry.
