A Class Act

Chamber Concert Series Offers Rare Look At Early, Contemporary, Classical Music

LISLE, IL (October 13, 2008) – Rapture in music.

Even in colder temperatures, The Morton Arboretum’s cultural activities will tempt music lovers out of hibernation. Amid majestic trees, beautiful vistas and the splendor of winter, the Arboretum presents “Winter’s Ballad,” the 2008-2009 Chamber Concert Series. Exploring early as well as contemporary classical music, the series will engage, challenge and delight audiences!  

The selection of outstanding artists represents “the spectrum of classical music from the beginning, through later years, and even contemporary classical,” says Rita Hassert, Arboretum chamber concert coordinator, noting that David Schrader, a nationally-prominent soloist and musician, will be in the mix.

Brazen sounds of brass trumpet the series’ opening on November 2. CCM BRASS features selections from J.S. Bach, Aaron Copland, Verne Reynolds, Anthony Plog, and Leonard Bernstein. Five of North America’s leading brass players compose the group: Barbara Butler and Charles Geyer on trumpet, Gail Williams on horn, Michael Mulcahy on trombone and Gail Williams on tuba.

Smooth violin sounds dominate when Callisto Ensemble takes the stage December 7. This group says it aims to erase the boundaries between antique and modern music, creating “performances that are accessible, fresh and relevant to modern audiences.” The ensemble includes violinists Stefan Hersh and Robert Waters, violist Roger Chase and cellist Julian Hersh.

The Minneapolis Guitar Quartet perform a range of period pieces from Renaissance and Baroque to Spanish, Latin American, and Romantic, to highly-imaginative contemporary works, on January, 11, 2009. Their music creates a whirlwind performance that’s “flawless, musical, and witty,” according to Classical Guitar Magazine.

Chicago Early Music Consort, February 1, 2009, provides an intimate look at some of the finest songs by the greatest English composers of the 17th century including John Dowland, Henry Lawes, John Wilson, and Henry Purcell. Described as performing “delicate, flawlessly-played music,” this group re-creates the rich and diverse sounds
of the late Renaissance and early Baroque chamber repertoire in a historically
informed manner. Chicago Early Morning Consort is comprised of Violist Phillip Serna, Soprano Stephanie Sheffield, lute and theorbo player Joel Spears, and Gary Berkenstock on the recorder.

Callipygian Players features David Schrader, a highly-respected soloist and musician of national prominence with expertise on fortepiano, pipe organ, piano and harpsichord, on March 1, 2009.

“David is extremely knowledgeable, and brings professionalism, clarity and crispness to each performance. He’s a passionate and gifted performer,” Hassert says.

This concert will celebrate Italy’s artistic legacy, and trace the Italian sonata’s development from its origins through Antonio Vivaldi and into its full flowering in the hands of Giuseppe Tartini. Under the direction of Baroque Violinist Martin Davids, this trio also includes David Schrader, harpsichord, and Craig Trompeter, cello.

Individual chamber concert tickets are $28, a series ticket is $130, and Arboretum members get discounts. Order tickets on www.mortonarb.org, under Events and Activities, or call 630-725-2066. Tickets are also available at the Visitor Center or via mail order.

The Morton Arboretum gratefully acknowledges our sponsors: Illinois Arts Council and Reception Host Bonterra Vineyards.

The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized 1,700-acre outdoor museum with collections of 4,117 kinds of trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world. The Arboretum's beautiful natural landscapes, gardens, research and education programs, and year-round family activities support its mission – the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Conveniently located at I-88 and Rte. 53 in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time or sunset, whichever is earlier. The Children's Garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., March through October, and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., November through February. Visit www.mortonarb.org and click Press Room or call to learn more.

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