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Experience an afternoon of chamber music performed by distinguished artists from the legendary CSO Brass section, renowned for their rich sonorities and spectacular power that define the Chicago Sound. The program features a selection of exuberant favorites, including Leonard Bernstein’s effervescent Overture to Candide and Malcolm Arnold’s virtuosic Quintet for Brass, Op. 73. Additionally, the performance will include intricate arrangements of Early Music by J.S. Bach and Georg Philipp Telemann, showcasing the versatility and depth of the brass ensemble. This event is part of the 2024/25 CSO Chamber Music Series, offering a unique opportunity to hear these masterful musicians in an intimate setting.

The University of Chicago Presents is proud to feature inDANCE, a progressive dance company renowned for its eclectic choreographic inspirations. Under the artistic direction of Hari Krishnan, inDANCE masterfully blends elements of Bharatanatyam, contemporary dance, and queer aesthetics. Their performance, ROWDIES IN LOVE, is a compelling exploration of technical precision and queer intimacy. This production utilizes inDANCE's distinctive movement style to challenge and redefine societal norms. Performed by eight exceptional dancers, ROWDIES IN LOVE stands as a transformative political statement, advocating for the acceptance and celebration of diverse gender and sexual identities. The performance is part of the 2024/25 Music Without Borders Series, showcasing the innovative spirit and artistic excellence that inDANCE brings to the stage.

Edgar Meyer, a virtuoso of the double bass, will be gracing the stage as part of the University of Chicago's 2024/25 Classic Concert Series. Renowned for his unparalleled technique and musicianship, Meyer has carved out a unique niche in the music world, both as a performer and a composer. His accolades include a MacArthur Award, an Avery Fisher Prize, and seven GRAMMY Awards, two of which he received for his 2023 album "As We Speak," created in collaboration with Béla Fleck, Zakir Hussain, and Rakesh Chaurasia. Meyer's musical journey is marked by collaborations with legendary artists such as Chris Thile, Joshua Bell, Yo-Yo Ma, and Emanuel Ax, showcasing his versatility and broad appeal. In this performance, Meyer will present McGlynn's Jigs, a piece co-composed by himself and Arty McGlynn, alongside pianist Tamara-Anna Cislowska. His ability to blend classical precision with innovative compositions has earned him praise from critics and audiences alike. The New York Times hails him as a legitimate heir to the tradition of double bass, while The New Yorker describes him as the most remarkable virtuoso in the history of his instrument. The Washington Post notes his unique approach, dubbing him "not your classic classicist." This event promises to be a testament to Meyer's extraordinary talent and his significant impact on the world of music.

The Turtle Island Quartet, renowned for its innovative approach to chamber music, will be performing as part of the University of Chicago's 2024/25 Classic Concert Series. Since its inception in 1985, the quartet has been at the forefront of blending classical quartet aesthetics with contemporary genres such as folk, bluegrass, swing, funk, R&B, and hip-hop. This unique fusion has earned them two GRAMMY Awards for Best Classical Crossover Album and a reputation for reviving centuries-old improvisational and compositional traditions. Their program, Island Prayers, features imaginative new commissions by acclaimed composers Rhiannon Giddens, Terence Blanchard, and Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate. The performance will include pieces such as David Balakrishnan's The Second Wave and Little Mouse Jumps, as well as Giddens' Pompey Ran Away, Tate's Little Loksi, and Blanchard's Turtle Trajectory. These works showcase the quartet's ability to seamlessly integrate diverse musical styles, creating a rich tapestry of sound that is both innovative and deeply rooted in tradition. With over a dozen recordings and collaborations with artists like Terence Blanchard and Paquito D’Rivera, the Turtle Island Quartet continues to push the boundaries of what a string quartet can be, making them a standout ensemble in the world of contemporary chamber music.

The Grossman Ensemble returns for its third collaboration under the esteemed direction of conductor Tim Weiss, presenting a series of world premieres that highlight the forefront of contemporary classical music. This performance features compositions by a distinguished group of composers, each bringing a unique voice to the ensemble's repertoire. Christopher Stark, whose music has been praised by The New York Times for its fetching and colorful qualities, joins the lineup alongside Elizabeth Ogonek, a former CSO Mead Composer-in-Residence known for her innovative contributions to the field. Paul Novak, a 2023 Barlow Commission recipient, offers his spellbinding compositions, as described by The Washington Post. Additionally, the program includes works by George Lewis, a formidable figure in modern music recognized by The New Yorker for his significant impact on the genre. This event promises an immersive experience into the evolving landscape of contemporary classical music, followed by an opportunity to engage with the artists at an after-party. Presented by the Chicago Center for Contemporary Composition, the evening showcases the dynamic and diverse talents shaping today's musical world.