The Orion Ensemble, a prominent chamber music group based in Chicago, has officially announced its 33rd season, showcasing an array of beloved classics, intriguing new compositions, and world-premiere performances.
This season features a four-concert series that will be performed across several venues in the Chicago area: New England Congregational Church in Aurora, PianoForte Studios in downtown Chicago, and the Music Institute of Chicago’s Nichols Concert Hall in Evanston, where Orion holds the title of Resident Ensemble.
The ensemble, consisting of core musicians Florentina Ramniceanu (violin), Judy Stone (cello), Kathryne Pirtle (clarinet), and Diana Schmück (piano), will collaborate with guest artists Stephen Boe (viola) and Mathias Tacke (violin) throughout the season.
The first concert kicks off on September 21 in Aurora, followed by performances on September 22 in Chicago and September 28 in Evanston. This concert will feature Boe performing alongside the Orion musicians in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Trio in E-flat Major for Clarinet, Viola and Piano (“Kegelstatt”), K498. The program will also include selected movements of contemporary works composed for Orion by Sebastian Huydts and Johannes Brahms’ Quartet in G minor for Strings and Piano, Op. 25.
Concert 2 is scheduled for October 26 in Aurora, October 27 in Chicago, and November 2 in Evanston. This program will include performances by Tacke and Boe, featuring a yet-to-be-announced string quartet by Haydn, Philip Glass’ Quartet Satz (2017), and Arthur Bliss’ Quintet for Clarinet and Strings, Op. 50 (1931).
The third concert, to be held on March 8, will present a world premiere piece composed specifically for Orion by Ephraim Champion. In addition to this premiere, the Orion core musicians will perform Ludwig van Beethoven’s Trio in B-flat Major for Clarinet, Cello and Piano, Op. 11, as well as Anton Arensky’s Trio in D minor for Violin, Cello and Piano, Op. 32. This concert will also include a Spring Benefit event, with additional performances on March 9 in Chicago and March 15 in Evanston.
The season will conclude with Concert 4 featuring Boe and Tacke again joining the Orion musicians. Scheduled for April 27 in Aurora, April 28 in Chicago, and May 4 in Evanston, this program includes Francis Poulenc’s Sonata for Clarinet and Piano, FP 184 (1962), selected solo movements by Johann Sebastian Bach, and Robert Schumann’s Quintet in E-flat Major for Piano and Strings, Op. 44.
Throughout the season, selections from Orion’s concerts will be available for viewing on its YouTube channel, providing audiences with the opportunity to experience the performances online.
Founded in 1992, the Orion Ensemble has received recognition for its adventurous programming and outstanding artistic contributions, highlighted by winning the prestigious Chamber Music America/ASCAP Award. The ensemble has gained accolades from various music critics, with the Chicago Tribune calling Orion ‘one of Chicago’s most vibrant, versatile and distinctive ensembles,’ while the Chicago Sun-Times praised its embodiment of chamber music.
The Orion Ensemble thrives with the support of grants from the Illinois Arts Council, the John R. Halligan Charitable Fund, and generous donations from its patrons, ensuring a continued commitment to musical excellence and innovative programming.
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