Orion Ensemble Plays With a Modern Flair
Chicago’s Orion Ensemble continued its Miniatures and Masterworks season at the PianoForte Studios on Wednesday evening with a program of modern and contemporary works tailored to its unusual lineup of […]
A lover of music his whole life, Louis Harris has written extensively from the early days of punk and alternative rock. More recently he has focused on classical music, especially chamber ensembles. He has reviewed concerts, festivals, and recordings and has interviewed composers and performers. He has paid special attention to Chicago’s rich and robust contemporary art music scene. He occasionally writes poetry and has a published novel to his credit, 32 Variations on a Theme by Basil II in the Key of Washington, DC. He now lives on the north side of Chicago, which he considers to be the greatest city in the country, if not the world. Member of the Music Critics Association of North America.
Pianist Benjamin Grosvenor Wows with Passion and Delicate Finesse
In his Chicago debut on Sunday afternoon, British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor wowed a Symphony Center audience with intensely passionate, yet wonderfully delicate playing. Hailed as a youthful sensation, this 24-year-old […]
Preview: Fulcrum Point New Music Project Hosts Second Black Composer Speaks
In keeping with its long-term efforts to leverage different styles of new music, the Fulcrum Point New Music Project will convene its second Black Composer Speaks concerts and discussions this […]
Trios Sound Off at the Northwestern Winter Chamber Music Festival
Chamber music continued to flow out of Evanston’s Pick-Staiger Hall on Sunday night as Northwestern’s 21st annual Winter Chamber Music Festival presented guest artists and Bienen School of Music faculty. […]
New Orford Quartet Opens the Northwestern Winter Chamber Music Festival
The Northwestern Winter Chamber Music Festival kicked off its 21st season Sunday night with a performance by the up-and-coming Canadian group, the New Orford String Quartet, at the Pick-Staiger Concert Hall […]
Best of 2016: Classical Music
Since joining the team at Third Coast Review last winter, I have had the privilege of seeing and reviewing several excellent concerts. While 2016 was unpleasant and disappointing in many […]
Windy City Treble Quire and Gay Chorus Deliver Fine Holiday Fare
Holiday vocal concerts always give me trepidation. While choral concerts often include popular songs that crowd out the classical repertoire, during the holidays, any manner of music, classical and popular, […]
Civic Orchestra of Chicago Marathons Bach With Yo-Yo Ma
At the end of a frenzied day of performances across the city, the Civic Orchestra of Chicago concluded Wednesday’s Bach Marathon with a free concert of all six Brandenburg Concertos […]
Fifth House Ensemble Trio Performs Romantic Works With Passion
In a program entitled Autumnal Reflections, a trio from the 11-member Fifth House Ensemble gave a rousing performance of three romantic era works at the Driehaus Museum on Wednesday night. […]
Faust and Melnikov Turn to Beethoven for their Chicago Debut With Mixed Success
Violinist Isabelle Faust and Pianist Alexander Melnikov gave a charming and clean, if occasionally restrained, performance of Beethoven sonatas on Friday night at Mandel Hall at the University of Chicago […]
Preview: Orion Ensemble Goes Back to Its Roots
In its second offering of the 2016-17 season, the Orion Ensemble goes back to its roots with three of its founding members playing music from the 20th century. Serenade by […]
Third Coast Mixtape No. 8: Contemporary Classical Music from the Ear Taxi Festival
This mix tape was inspired by the Ear Taxi Festival (ETF), an extraordinary event that, over six days, shined a bright light on Chicago’s contemporary classical art music scene. From […]