Marcus Roberts Trio at Nichols Concert Hall - 4.15.23

E A S O N S P O N S O R S

NICHOLS CONCERT HALL 2022-2023

The Music Institute of Chicago is grateful to the following sponsors, whose generous support helps us to entertain, inspire, and educate through live music performed by both new emerging artists and the most established artists of our time.

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.

Please contact the Development Office to learn more: 847.448.8323.

Dear Friends,

Welcome to the 2022-23 concert series at Nichols Concert Hall, a season that includes chamber music, a Gospel tribute, romantic era piano repertoire, a family concert, MLK celebration, elegant jazz, and dynamic alumni performers. There is truly something for everyone.

There is no better place to hear a concert than Nichols Concert Hall. The pristine acoustics, Greek revival architecture, and welcoming hospitality, create an intimate and thoroughly satisfying listening experience.

I encourage you to share your Nichols Concert Hall experience with your friends and colleagues. The Music Institute of Chicago regularly presents world-class musicians in a beautiful and conveniently located performance space, for a fraction of the cost of events in downtown Chicago. Nichols Concert Hall is a tremendous value.

The concert series is only one part of our mission. The Music Institute of Chicago is a top-tier community music school, offering music lessons and classes to thousands of students of all ages and levels. The Music Institute is also deeply committed to making music and music education accessible to people and communities who might not otherwise have access. You can learn more about MIC’s many activities, register for lessons, and purchase tickets by visiting us at musicinst.org.

Don’t miss our season finale concert featuring the alumnae pianists Marta Aznavoorian and Inna Faliks, Quintet Attacca, and the Academy Orchestra on May 6. I look forward to seeing you and your friends at Nichols Concert Hall!

Mark George President and CEO Music Institute of Chicago

Monday, May 15, 2023

The Peninsula Chicago

108 East Superior Street

5:30-9:00 PM

Dinner and performances begin at 6:45 PM

Cocktail Attire

Join the Music Institute for an inspiring evening in support of artistically excellent, accessible music education for all.

This year we honor trailblazing women in the classical music world who serve as inspiration for the next generation.

Honoring

Karen Gray-Krehbiel and John Krehbiel

2023 Cultural Visionary

Award for Chicago

Marin Alsop

2023 Dushkin Award

Barbara Ann Martin

2023 Richard D. Colburn

Award for Teaching Excellence

Featuring musical performances by talented young Music Institute students, including a selection conducted by Marin Alsop.

musicinst.org/gala23

MARCUS ROBERTS TRIO

Marcus Roberts, piano • Marty Jaffe, bass • Jason Marsalis, drums

Saturday, April 15 at 7:30 pm

RHYTHM ‘N BLUE

All original arrangements by Marcus Roberts

SET 1

Where or When (R. Rodgers)

Ladybird (T. Dameron)

The Way You Look Tonight (J. Kern)

Haitian Fight Song (C. Mingus)

One Man Band (J. Marsalis)

Don’t Suffer Alone (M. Roberts)

Mack the Knife (K. Weill)

Cole After Midnight (M. Roberts)

INTERMISSION

SET 2

What is This Thing Called Love? (C. Porter)

Jet Song (L. Bernstein)

New Orleans Blues (JR Morton)

Say It Over and Over Again (F. Loesser)

Bessie’s Blues (J. Coltrane)

Jitterbug Waltz (T. Waller)

You Are the One (M. Roberts)

I Got Rhythm (G. Gershwin)

Management

Lynn L Moore, Artist Manager

J-Master Music, LLC

Boston, MA

MARCUS ROBERTS

Pianist Marcus Roberts is often hailed as “the genius of the modern piano.” He is known throughout the world for his many contributions to jazz music as well as his commitment to integrating the jazz and classical idioms to create something wholly new. Roberts’ rhythmic and melodic group improvisational style is the hallmark of his modern approach to the jazz trio Roberts grew up in Jacksonville, FL where his mother’s gospel singing and the music of the local church left a lasting impact on his music. He began teaching himself to play piano at age five after losing his sight but did not have his first formal lesson until age 12 while attending the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind. At age 18, he went on to study classical piano at Florida State University with the great Leonidas Lipovetsky. In 2014, Roberts’ life and work were featured on a segment (entitled “The Virtuoso”) of the CBS television show, 60 Minutes.

Roberts has won numerous awards and competitions over the years, including the Helen Keller Award for Personal Achievement. His critically-acclaimed legacy of recorded music reflects this tremendous artistic versatility as well as his unique approach to jazz performance. His recordings include solo piano, duets, and trio arrangements of jazz standards as well as original suites of music for trio, large ensembles, and symphony orchestra. His popular DVD recording with the Berlin Philharmonic showcases his groundbreaking arrangement of “Gershwin’s Concerto in F for Piano and Orchestra” (A Gershwin Night, EuroArts 2003).

Roberts launched his own record label, J-Master Records, in 2009 and since then he has released several popular recordings on that label including New Orleans Meets Harlem, Romance, Swing, and the Blues, Trio Crescent: Celebrating Coltrane, and many others. One of Roberts’ more recent endeavors is his band called the “Modern Jazz Generation” (MJG). This multigenerational band is the realization of his long-standing dedication to training and mentoring younger musicians.

In addition to his renown as a performer, Roberts is also an accomplished composer.He has been commissioned by Chamber Music America, Jazz at Lincoln Center, ASCAP, the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and the Savannah

Music Festival (who co-commissioned him to write his first piano concerto— Spirit of the Blues: Piano Concerto in C-Minor).

In 2016, Roberts premiered his second piano concerto (Rhapsody in D for Piano and Orchestra), commissioned by Seiji Ozawa and the Saito Kinen Orchestra. In 2020, he was commissioned by the American Symphony Orchestra to write a short suite of music for jazz band and strings (conducted by Leon Botstein). This short film entitled United We Play was released in late 2020. In 2021, Roberts was awarded a grant by South Arts and the Doris Duke Foundation for the creation of a new audio-video project, Tomorrow’s Promises. This suite blends music and storytelling and was premiered in June of 2022. Roberts and his trio were also featured on the 2022 recording by violinist Daniel Hope entitled America.

Marcus Roberts is known for his generosity as a musician, providing support and mentoring to a large network of younger musicians. He also continues to strive to find ways to serve the blind and other disabled communities. In 2021, he served as the Artistic Director for the centennial gala, The Art of Inclusion, for the American Foundation for the Blind. He was also a featured speaker/ performer at the 2021 Disability:IN annual conference.

Roberts is a Professor of Music at the Florida State University College of Music, where he received his B.A degree and a Professor of Music at Bard College. He holds honorary doctoral degrees from The Juilliard School, Brigham Young University, and Bard College.

JAZZ STUDIES PROGRAM

Audrey Morrison, Director

ALL AGES • ALL LEVELS

Explore jazz through private instruction, combos and improvisation classes, summer camps and more.

ART OF THE JAZZ BAND

Session I: June 12-16 |

Session II: June 26-30

This summer, work with some of Chicago’s finest jazz performers and educators!

musicinst.org/jazz-studies

MARTY JAFFE

Marty Jaffe is an exciting new voice on the double bass. He is known for his deep sense of groove, lyricism, and rich and sensitive sound on his instrument. As a bassist, composer, and improviser, his musical roots are in the jazz tradition but he also has solid background in classical and Brazilian music. His versatility as an artist has led him to become one of New York City’s most indemand young bassists. Jaffe has shared the stage with musical icons Wynton Marsalis, Marcus Roberts, Harold Mabern, Sergio Mendes, and Steve Wilson. He has performed in interdisciplinary productions directed by choreographers Bill T. Jones and Debbie Allen through the national YoungArts foundation. When not in New York, Jaffe tours throughout the US and the world with numerous groups, often with renowned vocalist Karrin Allyson and pianist Ben Rosenblum.

Originally from Conway, Massachusetts, Jaffe moved to New York in 2012 to enroll at Columbia and Juilliard, where he studied under the tutelage of musical giants Ron Carter, Ray Drummond, Frank Kimbrough, Wynton Marsalis, and many others. Two of his most important accolades include being named a Presidential Scholar in the Arts in 2012 and winning the International Society of Bassists’ jazz competition in 2013.

Jaffe’s original compositions and arrangements have been performed throughout the world, including at such venues as the Kennedy Center, The New World Center for the Arts, and Lincoln Center. In addition, he has given numerous interactive performances for young people and taught students around the globe. Jaffe has also recorded widely and can be heard on albums by Jen Allen, Miro Sprague, Ben Rosenblum, Chris Pattishall, Andy Jaffe, Kristin Berardi, and Jonathan Ragonese.

Marty also currently co-leads an innovative trio with guitarist Jason Ennis and pianist Miro Sprague, which features original compositions by each member drawing on influences from Brazilian music, classical chamber music, free improvisation, and more.

JASON MARSALIS

Jason Marsalis is widely considered one of his generation’s most gifted drummers. He is the youngest son of the late pianist and music educator, Ellis Marsalis. At the age of six, he began taking drum lessons with the legendary drummer, James Black, and by age seven, he had progressed so rapidly that his father started using him for some of his own shows. During high school, Marsalis studied at renowned New Orleans Center for Creative Arts and during his last year there, in 1994, he joined the new trio founded by the virtuoso pianist, Marcus Roberts. He began touring regularly with Roberts the next year while at the same time furthering his education at Loyola University in New Orleans. While Marsalis has performed with many other musicians over the years, including Dr. Michael White, John Ellis, Shannon Powell, the Marsalis family, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, Marsalis has held the drum chair in the Marcus Roberts Trio for a remarkable 28 years.

In addition to his renown as a drummer, Marsalis has been leading his own vibes quartet since 2008, while at the same time remaining an critical member of the Marcus Roberts Trio. His skill at the drum set has been a key part of the sound and philosophy of the trio for many years. Marsalis has been featured on all of Roberts’ recordings for more than 25 years.

Marsalis has released five of his own critically-acclaimed recordings both on vibes and drums and has been featured on at least two dozen other recordings. His recording, The 21st Century Trad Band , showcased his remarkably creative approach to soloing while his later release, Melody Reimagined, Book 1 (Basin Street Records, 2019), highlights his creative imagination by reinventing a series of historic standards, some famous and some obscure, for a modern audience.

Marsalis’ style is heavily influenced by the greats of both jazz and classical music. With Marcus Roberts, he has performed with symphony orchestras all over the world. In short, he is a versatile and extraordinary musician who has made enormous contributions to the jazz music genre. When he is not touring, he can be found working on music or helping to train other young musicians.

SAVE THE DATE!

DECEMBER 16, 2023 » 7:30 PM A JAZZ CHRISTMAS WITH TAMMY MCCANN

Chicago jazz favorite Tammy McCann assembles an all-star band with strings to deliver a special holiday concert to help make your season bright!

Stay tuned for more information and look for the complete 2023-2024 Nichols Concert Hall season at: nicholsconcerthall.org

ONE COMPOSER, ONE COMMUNITY

First launched in 2021, the Music Institute of Chicago’s One Composer, One Community (OCOC) focuses on the life and work of a single, often underrepresented BIPOC composer over the course of an academic year. This composer’s work is featured on the Nichols Concert Hall series as well as in other special events, including gatherings to discuss aspects of the composer’s life and music through autobiographical, biographical, or critical writing, as well as though active music listening.

HEITOR VILLA-LOBOS (1887-1959)

This year we celebrate the life and work of Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos. Considered the single most significant creative figure in 20th century Brazilian art music, Villa-Lobos synthesized contemporary European techniques with elements of national music to create his unique compositional style. A prolific composer, Villa-Lobos penned more than 2,000 orchestral, chamber, instrumental, and vocal works.

This fall Music Institute of Chicago Academy chamber musicians had the opportunity to perform quartets by Heitor Villa-Lobos for the award-winning Cuarteto Latinoamericano at Nichols Concert Hall in a special master class.

JOIN US! Saturday, May 6 » 7:30 PM

CELEBRATING MUSIC INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO LUMINARIES

The Nichols Concert Hall season closes with a spectacular evening featuring MIC’s Academy Orchestra, Quintet Attacca, and guests pianists Inna Faliks and Marta Aznavoorian performing works including Brasileiras No. 5 by Heitor Villa-Lobos.

STUDENT PERFORMANCES AT NICHOLS CONCERT HALL

JAZZ STUDIES RECITAL

SATURDAY, APRIL 22 AT 3 PM

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.

ACADEMY CHAMBER MUSIC CONCERT

SATURDAY, APRIL 29 AT 7:30 PM

MUSIC INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO CHORALE

SUNDAY, JUNE 4 AT 3 PM

“There’s no business like show business”

For more information: musicinst.org • 847.905.1500

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 1,500 students, regardless of age, level of experience, or financial means, across eight Community Music School locations in Chicago, Downers Grove, Evanston, Lake Forest, Lincolnshire, and 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 pre-college pianists and string players; and welcomes thousands of visitors annually for performances, master classes, and special events at Nichols Concert Hall.

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 April 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023.

$100,000 or more

The Negaunee Foundation

Alexandra C.* and John D. Nichols

$50,000 to $99,999

John and Pauline Fife

Karen Z. Gray-Krehbiel and John H. Krehbiel, Jr.

ITW

Barbara A. Speer

$25,000 to $49,999

The Grainger Foundation

Lori Julian for the Julian Family Foundation

Susan Kiphart

Northern Trust

Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan

Scott and Nancy Santi

Catherine M. and Frederick H. Waddell

The Wallace Foundation

$10,000 to $24,999

Anonymous

Abbott

Paul M. Angell Family Foundation

BMO

Rita and John Canning, The Canning Foundation

The Crown Family

Roger and Sandra Deromedi

Edwardson Family Foundation

Evanston Arts Council

Linda and Bill Gantz

Hans* and Denitta Germann

Ambassador and Mrs. Ronald J. Gidwitz

Mona Golub

Norman and Cynthia Goldring

Guidehouse

Dan* and Yoo Mi Hahn

Harris Family Foundation

Caroline and Charles Huebner

J. Thomas Hurvis and Ann Andersen

Illinois Arts Council Agency

Irving Harris Foundation

Hans and Angela Jostlein

Ethelle Katz

Susan R. Kiphart

Mrs. Paul Klimstra

KPMG

Tom* and Joyce Leddy

Jim and Kay* Mabie Family

Make It Better Foundation

Robert R. McCormick Foundation

National Endowment for the Arts

Brenna and John Nichols

Northern Trust Corporation

Cathy and Bill Osborn

Renée Parquette*

Timothy Patenode* and Judy Royal

Michael and Cari Sacks

Barbara* and Peter Sereda

Sidley Austin LLP

Liz Stiffel

Lee Anne* and Rich Stoddart

Jim Stone*

Pam and Russ Strobel

The John Taylor Family

Underwriters Laboratories

Zalman* and Karen Usiskin

Scott* and Areta Verschoor

$5,000- $9,999

Anonymous

Mr. and Mrs. Norman Bobins,

The Robert Thomas Bobins Foundation

Beth and Chuck Boehrer

Dr. Tanya L. Carey

Lawrence Corry

Dana and Mark DeAngelis

Thomas W. Dower Foundation

Paul Galvin Memorial Foundation

Thomas L. and Patricia S. Gahlon

James and Louis Glasser

Mr. and Mrs. Dietrich M. Gross

John R. Halligan Charitable Fund

Harper Family Foundation

Courtney Holohan* and Wesley Mueller

Erin and Wellington Hsu

Jane Irwin

The Dolores Kohl Education Foundation

Karen and Mark Koulogeorge

Mr. and Mrs. William J. McKenna

Joan and Charles Moore

Robert and Diane Moriarty

Sylvia M. Neil and Dan Fischel

Nancy and Marc Poggioli

Ravinia Festival Association

Sargent Family Foundation

Dr. Scholl Foundation

Jennifer Steans and Jim Kastenholz

Bob and Gael Strong

Wintrust Commercial Banking

David* and Eileen Zampa

Helen Zell

Weihua and Tao Zhu

* Trustee

Make Music. Make Friends. Build Confidence.

Your support helps provide high-quality music 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.

musicinst.org/giving

NICHOLS CONCERT HALL

1. If you arrive after the performance has begun, please wait in the lobby. Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of the house manager. If you must leave early, please do so between pieces out of consideration for the artists and other audience members.

2. The box office will be open one hour prior to the performance. All patrons must have a ticket in order to be admitted into the concert.

3. Photography and audio/video recordings of performances is strictly prohibited without prior written consent from the Director of Operations.

4. Approved photographers and/or news media may be present at this performance. By participating and being present at Nichols Concert Hall, you give the Music Institute of Chicago the right to use photographs or video/audio recordings taken of you during the performance for educational or promotional purposes and for sharing with external news media. If you do not wish to appear in photographs or be recorded, please contact hall staff.

5. Smoking is strictly prohibited by law in Nichols Concert Hall or within 20 feet of the building.

6. Restrooms are located on the lower level and may be accessed by using the stairs or the elevator. All facilities are disability accessible.

Nichols Concert Hall, opened in May, 2003, quickly established itself as one of Chicago’s premier venues for chamber music performances. Originally designed as a First Church of Christ, Scientist in 1912 by renowned Chicago architect Solon S. Beman, the building was sensitively restored as a state-of-the-art, 550 seat concert hall and music education center. The converted building received the Richard H. Driehaus Award for best adaptive use by the Landmarks Preservation Council of Illinois. Music Critics, audiences and performers have hailed the excellent acoustics and elegant vaulted beauty of Nichols Concert Hall.

Nichols Concert Hall is located in the heart of downtown Evanston on the northeast corner of Chicago Avenue and Grove Street. Metered and non-metered parking is available and several public garages are within a two-block radius. Numerous restaurants are within easy walking distance. Conveniently located near the Davis Street CTA and Metra stations, Nichols Concert Hall is disability accessible.

For rental and booking information, please contact us: 847.448.8329 or visit: nicholsconcerthall.org

BOARD OF TRUSTEES TRUSTEES

Scott Verschoor, Chair

Alexandra C. Nichols, Chair Emerita

Tom Leddy, Treasurer

Barbara Sereda, Secretary

Lee Anne Stoddart, Vice Chair

Carlos R. Cárdenas, CPA

Hans Germann

Daniel Hahn

Courtney Holohan

Kay Mabie

Yana Nedvetsky

Renée Parquette

Timothy Patenode

James H. Stone

Ross Updegraff

Zalman Usiskin

Audra Wilson

David Zampa

Florian Zettelmeyer

LIFE TRUSTEES

John J. Berwanger

Gilbert W. Bowen

Mitzi Freidheim

Brooks Morgan

Rachel Barton Pine

Betsey L. Puth

Priscilla F. Richman

William N. Topaz

EX-OFFICIO TRUSTEES

Jennifer Koh

Nina Kraus

Christopher Rintz

Deborah F. Rutter

NEXT UP AT NICHOLS CONCERT HALL...

CELEBRATING MUSIC INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO LUMINARIES

CELEBRATING MUSIC INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO LUMINARIES

INNA FALIKS WITH THE ACADEMY ORCHESTRA

INNA FALIKS WITH THE ACADEMY ORCHESTRA

MARTA AZNAVOORIAN WITH QUINTET ATTACCA

MARTA AZNAVOORIAN WITH QUINTET ATTACCA

SATURDAY, MAY 6 » 7:30 PM

SATURDAY, MAY 6 » 7:30 PM

Featuring MIC alumnae pianists Inna Faliks and Marta Aznavoorian, Ensemble-in-Residence Quintet Attacca, and the award-winning musicians of the Music Institute’s Academy Orchestra.

MOZART

Piano Concerto in D Minor, KV 466

Piano Quintet in E-flat Major, KV 452

HEITOR VILLA-LOBOS

Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5

Celebrate more than 90 years of excellence in teaching and performance at the Music Institute of Chicago with a dazzling season finale. The program features MIC alumnae pianists Inna Faliks and Marta Aznavoorian, Ensemblein-Residence Quintet Attacca, and the award-winning musicians of the Music Institute’s Academy Orchestra. Works include Mozart’s Piano Concerto in D Minor, KV 466 and Piano Quintet in E-flat Major, KV 452, as well as Brasileiras No. 5 by Heitor Villa-Lobos, the focus of the Music Institute’s One Composer, One Community program.

RESERVE YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

nicholsconcerthall.org

• 847.448.8326