Classical Music Series

The Chicago Ensemble performs a Classical Music Series annually, which includes five eclectic programs performed at the International House located at the University of Chicago’s prestigious campus and Fourth Presbyterian Church of Chicago located on Chicago’s Magnificent Mile.

At a Classical Music Series concert, you can expect to hear a captivating mix of famous masterpieces and rarely-heard gems from the Baroque Period — all performed by outstanding musicians from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera Orchestra, Chicago Sinfonietta, The Joffrey Ballet, and other world-renowned orchestras and ensembles.

The Chicago Ensemble’s Classical Music Series is also known for offering a warm and educational experience. You can expect to hear artistic director and founder, Gerald, Rizzer, tell the stories behind the music between each piece. Light hors d’oeuvres, wine, and other beverages are included with your ticket purchase and available to enjoy before the performance and at intermission.

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A sample of past programs performed during our 45th Season            

Program I:   
Stephen Boe, violin; Andrew Snow, cello; Gerald Rizzer, piano
F. J. Haydn        Trio in Ab Major, Hob. XV:14, RL 27 for violin, cello and piano
W. A.  Mozart    Trio in E Major, K. 542 for violin, cello and piano
L. van Beethoven    Trio in Eb Major, op. 70 no. 2 for violin, cello and piano    

Program II:  
Elizandro Garcia-Montoyo, clarinet; Sixto Franco, viola;
Mara McClain, cello; Gerald Rizzer, piano
Paul Hindemith       Duet (1934) For viola and cello
L. van Beethoven    Trio in Eb Major, op. 38 for clarinet, cello and piano
                                  (composer’s transcription of Septet, op. 20)
Karel Husa               Évocations de Slovaquie (1951), for clarinet, viola and cello
Max Bruch               Selected Pieces, op. 83 for clarinet, viola and piano

Program III:   
Gabriela Vargas, flute; Elizandro Garcia-Montoya, clarinet;
Jaime Gorgojo, violin; Gerald Rizzer, piano
Nino Rota             Trio (1958) for flute, violin and piano
Alban Berg           Adagio from Chamber Concerto (1925)
                                For clarinet, violin and piano, Composer’s transcription
W. A. Mozart       Sonata in C Major, K. 303 for violin and piano
Aaron Copland    Duo (1971) for flute and piano
Aaron Spotts       Inter- for flute, clarinet, violin and piano
                              Winner: Discover America IX, competition for new chamber works
Robert Schumann    Fantasiestűcke for clarinet and piano

Program IV:   
Mathias Tacke, violin; Amy Hess, viola;
Andrew Snow, cello; Gerald Rizzer, piano
W. A. Mozart       Quartet in G Minor. K. 478 for violin, viola, cello and piano
John Allemeier    “4” for violin, viola, cello and piano
                               Winner: Discover America IX, competition for new chamber works
Joaquin Turina    Quartet in A Minor, op. 67 (1931) for violin, viola, cello and piano

Program V:  
Michelle Areyzaga, soprano; Yukie Ota, flute;
Ricardo Castañeda, oboe; Gerald Rizzer, piano
J. S. Bach                        Selected Cantata Arias for soprano, flute, oboe and piano
Jean-Michel Damase    Trio (1962) for flute, oboe and piano
F. J. Haydn                     Selected Canzonettas for soprano and piano
Alberto Ginastera         Duo, op. 13 (1945) for flute and oboe
Ingrid Stölzel                 The Gorgeous Nothings for soprano, flute, oboe and piano
                                         Winner: Discover America IX competition for new chamber works
Eugene Goossens        Pastorale and Harlequinade (1925) for flute, oboe and piano