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Experience the captivating artistry of AGAVE, an acclaimed Early Music group known for their dynamic performances that span from the seventeenth to the twentieth century. Renowned for their spirited and engaging interpretations, AGAVE has earned accolades and a GRAMMY nomination for their album with the velvet-voiced countertenor Reginald Mobley, titled "American Originals." This program is a celebration of music by predominantly Black and brown composers, featuring works by Cuban composer Esteban Salas, the extraordinary Black American composer Florence B. Price, and ragtime master Scott Joplin, among others. The performance promises a rich tapestry of sound, uniting voices to create a uniquely American musical experience. Highlights include Florence B. Price's evocative pieces such as "Resignation" and "Songs to the Dark Virgin," Esteban Salas's "Tu, mi Díos, entre pajas," and Scott Joplin's "Bethena, a concert waltz," arranged by Lebedinsky. The program also features compositions from the Cusco Cathedral archive and the Chiquitos Archive in Bolivia, showcasing the diverse and vibrant heritage of early music.

Illustrious jazz pianist, composer, and 6-time GRAMMY nominee, Gerald Clayton, searches for honest expression in every note. From his acclaimed debut to his leadership at the Monterey Jazz Festival On Tour, Clayton's work reflects a commitment to artistic exploration. Rooted in the legacy of his father, bass player John Clayton, Gerald honors his musical ancestors while pushing boundaries. Clayton has performed and recorded side-by-side with distinctive artists like Diana Krall, Roy Hargrove, Dianne Reeves, Terence Blanchard, Ben Wendel, and saxophone legend Charles Lloyd.

Experience an extraordinary evening of chamber music as two iconic ensembles, Imani Winds and Boston Brass, unite for a performance at the majestic Rockefeller Memorial Chapel. Renowned for their virtuosity and versatility, these powerhouse wind ensembles are celebrated champions of new music. Their collaborative program promises a rich tapestry of sound, featuring compositions by multi-GRAMMY winning musician and composer Arturo Sandoval, alongside works by Khachaturian, J.S. Bach, de Falla, Piazzolla, and contemporary masters D’Rivera and Simon. This unique concert offers a rare opportunity to witness the fusion of two distinct musical forces, creating a super band that brings to life the intricate and dynamic world of chamber music.

The Grossman Ensemble, celebrated for their precision and dynamic prowess, will be performing under the baton of David Fulmer, presenting four world premieres. This event will feature compositions by Erin Gee, Kari Watson, Ryan Garvey, and David Fulmer himself. Erin Gee, recognized for her unique contributions to contemporary music, and Kari Watson, recently highlighted as a composer to watch, will bring their innovative works to the stage. Ryan Garvey, known for his ability to surprise and challenge listeners, and David Fulmer, acclaimed as one of the most important figures in contemporary music, will also unveil their latest compositions. This performance promises to immerse the audience in a diverse sonic tapestry, showcasing the cutting-edge of contemporary composition. Presented by the Chicago Center for Contemporary Composition, this event underscores the ensemble's commitment to premiering new and captivating works.

Parisian lute virtuoso Thomas Dunford, often hailed as "The Eric Clapton of the lute" by BBC Magazine, brings centuries-old music to life with a modern pulse. Dunford's illustrious career has seen him share the stage with musical legends such as Bobby McFerrin and Anne-Sophie von Otter, and perform at prestigious venues including La Comédie Française, Carnegie Hall, and the Berlin Philharmonic. In 2018, he founded the acclaimed Jupiter Ensemble, which quickly gained recognition with their debut dedicated to Vivaldi. In this performance, part of the University of Chicago's Early Music Series, Dunford will present a program that spans the rich tapestry of early music. The repertoire includes masterpieces by John Dowland, such as "A Dream" and "Lachrimae," and selections from J.S. Bach's Suite for Cello in G Major, BWV 1007. The concert will also feature Marin Marais' "Les voix humaines" and "L’americaine," as well as well-known melodies by Erik Satie, including "Gymnopédie 1" and "Gnossienne." Additionally, works by Girolamo Kapsberger and Joan Ambrosio Dalza will be performed, showcasing the diverse and intricate beauty of the lute's repertoire. Dunford's ability to make historical music resonate with contemporary audiences promises an evening of profound musical exploration and exquisite artistry.

Experience an enchanting evening at the Griot Creole Rendezvous, featuring the extraordinary talents of Sona Jobarteh and Cedric Watson. Sona Jobarteh, a celebrated figure in the West African Griot tradition, brings a rich tapestry of Gambian heritage to life through her captivating voice and mastery of the Kora. With over 23 million YouTube views and performances at prestigious venues like the Hollywood Bowl and London's Barbican, Sona's music is a living archive of the Gambian people, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide. Joining her is Cedric Watson, a dynamic force in the realm of Louisiana Creole music. As a fiddler, vocalist, accordionist, and songwriter, Watson leads Bijou Creole in weaving together ancient French and Spanish rhythms with the spiritual beats of the Congo tribes of West Africa. His Grammy-nominated albums and compelling stage presence showcase a diverse musical heritage, channeling soulful vocals and masterful instrumentation that breathe new life into Creole traditions. This event is part of the University of Chicago's Music Without Borders and BluesLogan series, supported by the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation. It promises a unique fusion of West African and Creole musical traditions, offering a profound and immersive cultural experience.

The Leonkoro Quartet, an ensemble that has swiftly risen to prominence since its inception in Berlin in 2019, is set to perform as part of the University of Chicago's 2024/25 Classic Concert Series. Named after the Esperanto word for lionheart, the quartet features the talents of string players Jonathan and Lukas Schwarz, Amelie Wallner, and Mayu Konoe. Their remarkable ascent in the classical music world is underscored by their victory at the prestigious Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition and their selection for the BBC Radio 3 New Generation Artists program. Renowned for their perfectly unanimous, colorful, and original performances, the Leonkoro Quartet has captivated audiences across Europe's premier venues and festivals. Their blend of youthful exuberance and mature musical insight distinguishes them as a standout ensemble of their generation. The program for their performance includes Joseph Haydn's Quartet in F Major, Op. 50, No. 5 The Dream, Alban Berg's Lyric Suite, and Felix Mendelssohn's Quartet in e minor, Op. 44, No. 2. This carefully curated selection showcases the quartet's versatility and deep understanding of both classical and contemporary repertoires, promising an evening of profound musical exploration and exceptional artistry.

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.