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NICHOLS CONCERT HALL 2024-2025
The Music Institute of Chicago is grateful to all its funders and partners, whose generous support helps us to educate, entertain, and inspire through live music performed by both new emerging artists and the most established artists of our time.
The Music Institute of Chicago is grateful for the support of these annual institutional supporters: Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, Edwardson Family Foundation, John and Pauline Fife, John R. Halligan Charitable Fund, Horejsi Charitable Foundation, ITW, The Julian Family Foundation, The Kiphart Family Foundation, William Harris Lee & Co., The Negaunee Foundation, Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Family Foundation, Northern Trust, Sargent Family Foundation, Shure, The Wallace Foundation, and the Farny R. Wurlitzer Fund from the DeKalb County Community Foundation.
The Music Institute also acknowledges the generous support of Cook County Arts; the Evanston Arts Council, a city agency supported by the City of Evanston; the Highland Park Community Foundation; the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency; and the National Endowment for the Arts, a federal agency.
This program is partially funded by the Illinois Arts Council Agency.
Sponsorship opportunities range from concerts and performances, to the annual Gala, special capital projects, and community engagement initiatives. For more information contact: Jennifer Bienemann, Vice President and Chief Development Officer at jbienemann@musicinst.org.
DEAR FRIENDS,
Welcome to the Music Institute of Chicago (MIC) and Nichols Concert Hall. We are excited to continue our 21st anniversary season with our unique and family-friendly “Duke It Out!” Nutcracker, an annual favorite! We hope you took advantage of the instrument petting zoo before the concert, just another reason this event makes a perfect introduction to music for families with children.
Looking ahead, on Sunday, January 19 at 3 pm, we invite the community to join us for our annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration concert. This free event weaves together voices from the arts, education, social justice, and interfaith communities.
And new this year, we are featuring performances by MIC’s five Resident Ensembles, Apollo’s Fire, Chicago a cappella, Civitas Ensemble, The Orion Ensemble, and Rembrandt Chamber Musicians, in a year-long musical feast. Visit NicholsConcertHall.org for more information.
Nichols Concert Hall is only part of MIC’s mission. As a top-tier community music school, we offer music lessons and classes to thousands of students of all ages and levels each year. Feel free to explore the lower level of this building, where you will find eleven state-of-the-art teaching studios and as many grand pianos. You can learn more about becoming a student by visiting musicinst.org.
I look forward to seeing you and your friends throughout the year at Nichols Concert Hall!
Mark George, President and CEO Music Institute of Chicago
“DUKE IT OUT” NUTCRACKER 2024
ELLINGTON/STRAYHORN VS. TCHAIKOVSKY
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
John Schmitz, Dance Chicago
CURATED BY Altin Naska
ELLINGTON/STRAYHORN BRASS QUINTET ARRANGEMENT
James Stephenson
MUSICIANS
Quintet Attacca and Braeburn Brass
Jonathon Wenzel, drums • Ann Chang, celeste
1. Waltz of the Snowflakes Tchaikovsky
Plainfield Dance Academy
Choreography: Altin Naska
Dr. Drosselmeyer: Altin Naska
Dancers: Chrissa Gallos as Clara with Madelyn Duker, Emma Jaromin, Zoe Meachum, Eive Mesco, Anya Moiseytseva, Caroline Rhoades, Rebecca Taylor, Sophia Testa
2. Overture — Tchaikovsky
Choreography: Altin Naska
Dancers: Megan Davis as Nutcracker with Kayla Hegge, Jenna Heron, Caleb Holt, Emily Lhanang, Annabelle Lillie, Jori Luther, Ozan Naska, Jocelyn Ortega, André Rodrigues, Emily Weinstein
3. Overture —Ellington/Strayhorn
Performances by: Tristan Bruns as Mouse King and Megan Davis as Nutcracker
4. Mirliton — Tchaikovsky
Plainfield Dance Academy
Choreography: Olena Nalyvaiko after Marius Petipa
Dancers: Aino Kosobayashi, Brooklynn Lugay, Ozan Naska
5. Toot Toot Tootie Toot Ellington/Strayhorn
Forum Dance Theatre
Choreography: Lindsey Beebe, Catie Deitz-Griffith, Julianne Deitz
Dancers: Jaimee Asistores, Julia Corbett, Emma Dillon, Kayla Hegge, Addison Henrichs, Jenna Heron, Kendall Hutson, Madison Jones, Skyla Matzat, Lydia Miller, Araceli Rojas, Marleigh Schau, Kayla Schmidt, Dylan Schulman
6. Chinese Dance — Tchaikovsky
Plainfield Dance Academy
Choreography: Altin Naska
Dancer: Sophia Testa with Olivia Gleason, André Rodrigues
7. Chinoserie — Ellington/Strayhorn
GUS® | GG Company
Artistic Director: Amy Paul Giordano
Choreography: Nicole Belanger Weingarten, Lauren Giordano Whittington
Dancers: Norah Bock, Leia Brooks, Rosemary Carroll, Aubrey Child, Katie Dunning, Sophie Eichenseer, Omolara Ekundayo, Maeve Gray, Emily Lhanang, Eva Lufrano, Ella Mantz, Calvin Missen, Fiona Swift
8. Spanish Dance — Tchaikovsky
Plainfield Dance Academy / *Joffrey Trainee
Choreography: Altin Naska
Dancer: Chrissa Gallos, Caleb Holt* with Zoe Meachum, Eive Mesco
9. Le Chocolat — James M. Stephenson
Elevation Studio Company
Choreography: Catie Deitz-Griffith, Julianne Deitz
Dancers: Ellie Griffith, Hailey Landreth, Annabelle Lillie, Makenna Lillie-McDonald, Addilyn Mader, Jocelyn Ortega, Isabella Ramsey, Ava Robinson, Emma Spence
10. Arabian Dance — Tchaikovsky
Wheatland Dance Theater / *Joffrey Studio Company
Choreography: Altin Naska
Dancers: Anya Moiseytseva, Jori Luther*
11. Arabesque Cookie Ellington/Strayhorn
Performance and Choreography by: Aleah Zucchi
Footprints Tap Ensemble
Performance and Choreography by: Kenzie Christie, Lauren Pratt, Emily Weinstein
12. Sugar Plum Fairy – Tchaikovsky
Wheatland Dance Theater
Choreography: Olena Nalyvaiko after Marius Petipa
Dancer: Rebecca Taylor
13. Sugar Rum Cherry – Ellington/Strayhorn
Elevation Studio Company
Choreography: Catie Deitz-Griffith, Julianne Deitz
Dancers: Ellie Griffith, Hailey Landreth, Annabelle Lillie, Makenna Lillie-McDonald, Addilyn Mader, Jocelyn Ortega, Isabella Ramsey, Ava Robinson, Emma Spence
14. Slavic Dance — Tchaikovsky
Plainfield Dance Academy / *Joffrey Trainee
Choreography: Altin Naska
Dancers: Madelyn Duker, Caleb Holt*
15. Volga Vouty — Ellington/Strayhorn
Forum Jazz Dance Theatre
Choreography: Catie Deitz-Griffith, Abby Morris, Sinead Gildea
Dancers: Emma Dillon, Kayla Hegge, Addison Henrichs, Jenna Heron, Kendall Hutson, Skyla Matzat, Lydia Miller, Marleigh Schau
16. Grand Pas de Deux — Tchaikovsky
Wheatland Dance Theater / *Joffrey Studio Company
Choreography: Olena Nalyvaiko after Marius Petipa
Dancers: Rebecca Taylor, Jori Luther*
17. Finale – Tchaikovsky
Grand Finale / Bows
18. Entre-acte – Ellington/Strayhorn
Grand Finale / Bows
For more information on featured dance organizations please visit their website: DanceChicago.com, PlainfieldDanceAcademy.com, TapmanProd1@gmail.com, GusLegacy.org, ForumDanceTheatre.net, ElevationsDance.org, TalentForum.biz
Please join us in the concert hall lobby for a post-concert photo opportunity with the dancers!
PYOTR ILYICH TCHAIKOVSKY
(1840–1893)
Although young Tchaikovsky exhibited great interest and ability in music, his education prepared him for a career as a civil servant. At the time, there was scant opportunity for a musical career in Russia and no public music education system. However in 1861, Tchaikovsky learned that the Russian Musical Society offered classes. He began musical studies there and eventually graduated from the Saint Petersburg Conservatory in 1865.
Tchaikovsky went on to write symphonies, concertos, operas, ballets, and chamber music, and is now considered one of the great Romantic Era composers. Just two years before his death, Tchaikovsky was commissioned by the legendary choreographer Marius Petipa to write music for a ballet based on E.T.A Hoffman’s story, The Nutcracker and the Mouse King . The show premiered in 1892 at the Mariinsky Theatre of Russia, home of the Kirov Ballet. The work made its way to Western Europe in the 1930’s and to America by 1940. The Nutcracker has since become a popular annual holiday tradition.
DUKE ELLINGTON (1899–1974)
BILLY STRAYHORN (1915–1967)
Both Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn began their music studies on piano. Ellington, originally from Washington D.C. and Strayhorn from Pittsburgh, first met in 1938 and began their long collaboration shortly thereafter. Considered among the most original and influential American composers, their long parternship flourished after Strayhorn moved to New York and joined the Duke Ellington Orchestra. Working together, Ellington and Strayhorn wrote hundreds of enduring compositions. Their music extended beyond jazz to blues, gospel, and classical music. Though they are most famous for their jazz writing for big band, they also composed for film, theater, and dance.
In 1960, Ellington recorded jazz interpretations of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker, arranged by Ellington and Strayhorn for the Columbia label.
DANCE CHICAGO
JOHN SCHMITZ is the founder and artistic director of is the founder and artistic director of Dance Chicago and it’s producer, Emergence Dance Theatre. As a performer Schmitz has danced and choreographed both nationally and internationally including Paris premieres: 1989 at Cafe de la Danse and 1992 at Theatre des Amandiers. From 1985-1995 his company, Emergence created over 60 multi-image / film dance interactive works including three manifestations of Carmina Burana. He has been producing inventive dance events for over forty years, promoting alliances and collaborations between artists and dance organizations both nationally and internationally. Locally he has managed Ballet Chicago, Joseph Holmes Chicago Dance Theatre, The Joel Hall Dancers, The Chicago Repertory Dance Ensemble, Rockford Dance Company, as well as Emergence Dance Theatre. In 1995, he was honored as one of Chicago Tribune’s “Chicagoans of the Year.” In 1998 he received a Ruth Page Award for “Outstanding Contribution to the Dance Community”, and in 2006 his Dance Chicago was honored with The Columbia College Arts Entrepreneurship of the Year Award. That same year, he created the Dutch National Ballet Project, matching Chicago choreographers with an ensemble of DNB dancers. Schmitz partnered with Altin Naska in two special Dance Chicago tours: Tirana, Albania (2003) and Istanbul Turkey (2005). Since 2011 he has served as president of Athenaeum Theatre Productions, the management corporation of Chicago’s Athenaeum Theatre.
ALTIN NASKA is an internationally known, award winning choreographer, dancer, and master teacher with over three decades of performing and teaching experience in Europe and the United States.
He was soloist with Istanbul State Opera and Ballet, the Istanbul City Theater in Turkey, and a soloist with Tirana State Opera and Ballet in his native Albania. Naska graduated from the Albanian Arts Conservatory and also studied choreography at the Tirana Institute of Arts. After moving to Chicago in 1999, he performed with the national and international tour companies Thodos Dance Chicago and Mordine & Company to name a few, and guest in several suburban productions of “Nutcracker.” His choreography credit include Thodos Dance Chicago’s New Dances 20002003, The Dutch National Ballet’s 2004 New Voices program, The Joffrey Ballet dancers for Dance Chicago 2005 Choreography Project, Stars of Dance Chicago 2006 – 2016, Chicago Dance Theatre, as the Artistic Director for 2007 season, SPACE Conservatory as co-founder and director 2005-2015 and Wheatland Dance Theater as the Artistic Director since 2016.
Naska is recognized for his fusion of ballet, character and modern techniques and has taught master classes and workshops all around Chicago-area, nationally and internationally. In 2003, he was honored with Albania’s highest artistic achievement award for his choreography and outstanding professional career overseas. In 2007 he received the Dance Chicago’s Outstanding Choreography Award, and in 2012 was chosen as one of the 100 success stories of Albanian Excellence.
Currently, besides owning and directing Plainfield Dance Academy, Naska serves in several NFP dance organizations including co-founder and artistic director of the International Dance Embassy, an organization committed to honor and celebrate culturally diverse forms of dance through presentation, education and support of local artists, Executive and Artistic Director of Wheatland Dance Theater, a youth dance company affiliated with PDA with mission to foster a passion for artistic dance, to increase the community’s cultural awareness, Director of Cultural Exchange of Dance Chicago and Artistic and Touring Director of the Stars of Dance Chicago.
BRAEBURN BRASS
Based in Chicago, Illinois the chamber ensemble was first established in Appleton, Wisconsin at the 2019 Atlantic Brass Quintet Seminar. Braeburn has found success in their acceptances to the Aspen Music Festival, Fresh Inc Festival. In addition, they were featured in the 2020 virtual Atlantic Brass Quintet Seminar. The ensemble has premiered works such as Improv Take II by Benjamin Palmateer, Broad Street by Ryne Siesky, and Wind, Waves, and Web by Spencer Arias. Dedicated to expanding the brass repertoire, the Braeburn Brass have been involved in numerous commissions and consortiums.
QUINTET ATTACCA
Founded in 1999, Quintet Attacca is one of Chicago's most dynamic chamber music ensembles. Grand Prize Winner and Wind Division Gold Medal Winner of the 2002 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition, the quintet spent 2006-2009 as the Chicago Chamber Musicians' Professional Development Program Ensemble. Quintet Attacca is also proud to be in residence at the Music Institute of Chicago, offering performances, family programming, chamber music coaching and individual lessons.
Quintet Attacca is an ensemble dedicated to bringing the unique sound of the wind quintet to all types of audiences. Quintet Attacca has reached audiences from Italy (at the 2003 Emilia Romagne Festival) to New York (at the Schneider Concerts Series at the New School) to concert halls all over Chicagoland as well as many live broadcasts on WFMT. Recent performances include a residency with Chamber Music Society of Detroit, C3 Composers at Constellation, and Chamber Music on the Fox.
Priding itself on its innovative programming, Quintet Attacca enjoys presenting concerts that are both accessible and cutting-edge. Programs span from Classical and Romantic eras to jazz and Latin influenced works and include pieces of today’s leading composers as well. Additionally, six works have been written for the quintet: David Smooke's Trompe L'oeil , Collin Anderson's Tangram , Rami Levin’s Danças Brasilieras and Portraits , Dana McCormick's Two Episodes for Wind Quintet , and Daniel Asia’s Chicago Variations.
us for the
Meditations
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 @ 7:30 PM SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 @ 3:00 PM
Experience beauty and peace in a program of contemplative works
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 @ 7:30 PM SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8 @ 3:00 PM
Jake Runestad
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 @ 7:30 PM
Meet composer Jake Runestad as CMS collaborates with young singers
Share the joy of the season with beloved carols & new discoveries
SATURDAY, MAY 17 @ 7:30 PM SUNDAY, MAY 18 @ 3:00 PM
FRIENDS OF THE MUSIC INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
The Music Institute is grateful for every gift. The following friends made contributions of $5,000 or more between September 1, 2023 and December 2, 2024.
$100,000 +
Edwardson Family Foundation
Robert Hohf
Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
The Julian Family Foundation
The Negaunee Foundation
Alexandra C.* and John† D. Nichols
$50,000 to $99,999
John and Pauline Fife
Illinois Arts Council Agency ITW
$25,000 to $49,999
Paul M. Angell Family Foundation
CDW LLC
Courtney Holohan* and Wesley Mueller
KPMG and Scott* and Areta Verschoor
Mr. John H. Krehbiel Jr. and
Mrs. Karen Z. Gray-Krehbiel
Northern Trust Corporation
Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan
Mrs. Barbara Ann Speer
Jim Stone*
David and Eileen Zampa
$10,000 to $24,999
Anonymous gifts
Rita and John Canning, The Canning Foundation
Dr. Tanya L. Carey
Cook County Arts
The Crown Family
Mary and Paul Finnegan
Linda and Bill Gantz
GCM Grosvenor
Hans* and Denitta Germann
Mrs. Mona Golub
Mr. and Mrs. Dietrich M. Gross
Guidehouse
Dan* and Yoo Mi Hahn
Caryn and King Harris
Harris Family Foundation
Horejsi Charitable Foundation
Irving Harris Foundation
J. Thomas Hurvis and Ann Andersen
Jackson National Life Insurance
Nancy D. Judge
Ethelle Katz
Mindy and Walter Kelly
Susan Kiphart
Molex Incorporated
Jim and Kay* Mabie Family
Yana Nedvetsky* and Axel Vargas
Cathy and Bill Osborn
Renée Parquette*
Timothy Patenode* and Judy Royal
John and Kathy Piepgras
Vikram K. Raghavan* & Shruthi Atmaram
Ravinia Festival Association
Scott and Nancy Santi
Barbara* and Peter Sereda
Sidley Austin LLP
Jane Arries Solomon
Liz Stiffel
Lee Anne* and Rich Stoddart
The John Taylor Family
Charles A. Tribbett III & Lisa Tribbett and Russell Reynolds Associates
Zalman* and Karen Usiskin
The Wallace Foundation
Mr. Miles D. White
William Harris Lee & Co.
Wintrust Commercial Banking & Carlos R. Cardenas*
$5,000 to $9,999
Anonymous gifts
Paul* and Katie Brourman
Lawrence Corry
Flying Food Group, Inc.
Thomas L. and Patricia S. Gahlon
Norman and Cynthia Goldring
John R. Halligan Charitable Fund
Mrs. Paul Klimstra
Karen and Mark Koulogeorge
Ernest Mahaffey
Molex Incorporated
Bob Moriarty
Ms. Elizabeth O’Connor and Mr. Christopher Thomas
Sargent Family Foundation
Dr. Scholl Foundation
Jennifer Steans and Jim Kastenholz
Pam and Russ Strobel
Ross* and Emily Parker Updegraff
Catherine M. and Frederick H. Waddell
Audrey Weaver
Audra Wilson*
Florian Zettelmeyer* and Meghan Busse
* MIC Trustee † Deceased
The Music Institute of Chicago provides high-quality teaching, performing, and service activities for thousands of Chicagoland residents each year.
Contributions of all sizes support our shared commitment to educate and inspire musicians and music lovers of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, regardless of experience or financial means.
MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY! musicinst .org/giving
The GRAMMY®-winning Baroque Orchestra
Resident Ensemble at Music Institute of Chicago
CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS WITH APOLLO’S FIRE!
An Irish-American Christmas
Jeannette Sorrell’s heartwarming celebration of the Irish immigrant experience comes to Ravinia! – with delightful new cast members including children. Bring the whole family!
SPECIAL EVENT!
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 7:30pm Martin Theater, RAVINIA
PLEASE NOTE: Tickets for this concert are available directly from Ravinia at ravinia.org.
Sound the trumpet! Jeannette Sorrell and Apollo’s Fire are nationally renowned for their dramatic interpretation of Messiah, filled with spirituality and musical storytelling.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 4:30pm St. James Cathedral
DOWNTOWN CHICAGO
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 7:30pm Saints Faith, Hope, & Charity
WINNETKA
BOARD OF TRUSTEES
TRUSTEES
Scott Verschoor, Chair
Alexandra C. Nichols, Chair Emerita
Timothy J. Patenode, Treasurer
Barbara Sereda, Secretary
Carlos R. Cárdenas, Vice Chair
Lee Anne Stoddart, Vice Chair
Paul Brourman
Hans Germann
Daniel Hahn
Courtney Holohan
Shiraz Kotte
Kay Mabie
Yana Nedvetsky
Renée Parquette
Vikram Raghavan
Jim Stone
Ross Updegraff
Zalman Usiskin
Audra Wilson
Florian Zettelmeyer
Tao Zhu
LIFE TRUSTEES
John J. Berwanger
Mitzi Freidheim
Brooks Morgan
Rachel Barton Pine
Priscilla F. Richman
William N. Topaz
HONORARY
BOARD
Robert Chen
Peter Dushkin
John and Fran Edwardson
James Ginsberg
Jennifer Koh
Nina Kraus
Deborah F. Rutter
Scott and Nancy Santi
Rick Waddell
EX-OFFICIO TRUSTEES
Mark George
Christopher Rintz
THE MUSIC INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO
leads people toward a lifelong engagement with music through unparalleled teaching, exceptional performances, and valuable service initiatives that educate, inspire, and build strong, healthy communities.
Since its founding in 1931, the Music Institute’s commitment to innovation, access, and excellence has served as an important community resource and helps to ensure music is available to everyone. Each year, the Music Institute provides personalized music instruction to more than 1800 students, regardless of age, level of experience, or financial means, across eight Community Music School locations in Chicago, Downers Grove, Evanston, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Wheaton, Winnetka, as well as online.
In addition, the Music Institute brings music education, arts curriculum integration, professional development, and music performance and engagement opportunities to thousands in the Chicago area; offers scholarship opportunities to students in its Community School and its Academy, a nationally recognized training center for highly gifted precollege pianists and string players; and welcomes thousands of visitors annually for performances, master classes, and special events at Nichols Concert Hall.
For more information: musicinst.org • 847.905.1500
NICHOLS CONCERT HALL
ACADEMY CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 AT 7:30 PM
TONIGHT!
Advanced pre-conservatory piano and string students will share the stage at Nichols Concert Hall for the MIC Academy’s first chamber music concert of the season. Featuring the music of Bartók, Brahms, Bruch, Dvorák, Haydn, and Mozart.
2024-2025 PUBLIC EVENTS CALENDAR - FALL SEMESTER
Sunday, December 8 at 3 PM
Civitas Ensemble presents: Celebrate the Holidays
Sunday, December 8 at 7:00 PM
Adult Studies Fall Recital
Thursday, December 12 at 12:00 PM
MIC Concert Band Performance
Saturday, December 14 at 7:30 PM
Chicago a cappella presents: “Holidays a cappella”
Sunday, December 15 at 1:30 PM
Piano Departmental Recitals
Saturday, January 11 at 3 PM
Chamber Music Recital - 1
Sunday, January 12 at 1:30 PM
Chamber Music Recital - 2
Sunday, January 12 at 4:30 PM
Strings Departmental Recital
Sunday, January 19 at 3:00 PM
MLK: A Community Celebration Concert
Sunday, January 26 at 6:30 PM
Woodwinds, Brass & Percussion Recital
MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CELEBRATION CONCERT
SUNDAY, JANUARY 19 » 3 PM
Co-sponsored by the Music Institute of Chicago and Evanston Interfaith Clergy and Leaders
FEATURING
Remarks from Reverend Michael Nabors of Second Baptist Church of Evanston
PERFORMANCES AND NEW WORK
Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative • Dance Center Evanston
Evanston Art Center • Hearing in Color Young Composer Residency Music Institute of Chicago • Ravinia’s Reach Teach Play
