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.
Watch this website for our future plans
A sample of past programs performed during our 45th Season
Program I: Stephen Boe, violin; Andrew Snow, cello; Gerald Rizzer, pianoF. 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, pianoPaul 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, pianoNino 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, pianoW. 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, pianoJ. 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