UChicago Presents

University of Chicago Presents (UCP) is a distinguished concert series hosted by the University of Chicago with a mission to provide intimate, high-quality musical experiences. UCP is committed to transforming, entertaining, educating, and enlightening audiences of all ages, fostering a sense of shared humanity. The concert series actively engages a diverse audience, from students and Nobel Laureates to music enthusiasts and the general public, nurturing curiosity through exceptional music-making. ===History=== Founded in 1943 as the University of Chicago Chamber Music Series, now known as the Classic Concerts Series, UCP is one of Chicago's oldest and most respected concert series. Throughout its history, UCP has hosted significant figures in both performance and composition, such as Igor Stravinsky, Artur Schnabel, Issac Stern, Arnold Schoenberg, and the Budapest Quartet. These guests have not only performed but also offered public master classes and lectures, a tradition that continues to this day. In the 1960s, the series was placed under the stewardship of the University's Department of Music. Since then, UCP has facilitated the Chicago debuts of world-renowned artists like Ian Bostridge, Cecilia Bartoli, and Hilary Hahn, among others. The Howard Mayer Brown International Early Music Series (HMB International Early Music Series), founded in 1981 by Howard Mayer Brown, has been a pivotal part of UCP, bringing Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque music to the forefront and attracting audiences from multiple states. UCP has also played a significant role in contemporary music. In 1964, Ralph Shapey founded the Contemporary Chamber Players (CCP), laying the groundwork for new music performance in Chicago. This tradition is continued by the Chicago Center for Contemporary Composition, which presents concerts in partnership with UCP, including performances by the Grossman Ensemble. The addition of the Jazz at the Logan series with the opening of the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts in 2012 has enriched the jazz scene on Chicago's South Side, featuring international jazz artists and fostering local talent. UCP has redefined its role in the cultural landscape of Chicago with innovative programming. Notable events include the Soviet Arts Experience, interdisciplinary festivals celebrating composers like Olivier Messiaen, Benjamin Britten, and Gyorgy Ligeti, and the Music Without Borders series, which highlights contemporary artists blending global traditions with modern styles. During the 2020/21 season, UCP launched the virtual SOUND/SITES series, a response to the necessity of the times, which paired faculty musicians with the University's architecture. This series reached an international audience and is set to continue, showcasing UChicago's musicians and architecture globally. UCP continues to engage with Chicago's diverse community through the intellectual and artistic wealth of the University of Chicago, providing a platform for cultural exchange and musical excellence.