Feature: Chicago Violinist Rachel Barton Pine Mixes Classical With Heavy Metal
Chicago is well known for having a rich and robust classical music community. One of the best measures of that is the talent that emerges from it. One great example […]
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.
Review: Jennifer Koh Gives an Emotional Performance of Bach and Beyond and Alone Together
In a compelling display of virtuosity and emotion on Saturday night, violinist Jennifer Koh gave a solo, homecoming performance at Music Institute of Chicago’s Nichols Concert Hall in Evanston. The […]
Review: Pacifica Quartet Mixes Fun and Melancholy in Season Opener
Pacifica Quartet opened their 2023-24 season with an excellent concert at Hyde Park’s Mandel Hall on Friday evening. Based in Bloomington, Indiana, this year they are the Don Michael Randel […]
Review: Music of the Baroque Brings Vivaldi to Life With the Help of Strong Voices
Music of the Baroque Orchestra and Chorus gave a wonderful performance of music by Antonio Vivaldi at Harris Theater on Monday night. In a program entitled Viva Vivaldi, MOB, under […]
Review: CSO Chamber Music Performs Works by Russian and Czech Composers on Sunday in Hyde Park
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra Chamber Music players took the stage at Mandel Hall in Hyde Park on Sunday afternoon and gave a good, but not great, performance of music by […]
Review: Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Performs Fantastic Program of American-Inspired Music at Harris Theater
The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center opened their season in a fantastic way at Harris Theater on Tuesday night. Based on an American-inspired theme, the program included well known […]
Review: Under Brad Lubman, Grossman Ensemble Takes the Breath Away
It’s not often that a concert leaves me breathless, but that’s what happened when the Grossman Ensemble opened the 2023-2024 season at the Logan Center for Performing Arts in Hyde […]
Review: Music of the Baroque Opens Season with Bach and Mozart
Music of the Baroque Orchestra and Chorus gave an enjoyable, if uneven, performance of Heaven and Earth at Symphony Center on Monday night. With Music Director Dame Jane Glover at […]
Preview: Impromptu Fest Returns with an Expanded Format
After a one-year hiatus, Chicago’s Impromptu Fest returns in an expanded format spread over five days, beginning this Tuesday, September 12. Hosted by New Music Chicago, Impromptu Fest 2023 provides […]
Review: Third Coast Percussion Unveils Between Breaths in Music and Film
Third Coast Percussion opened their 2023-24 season Saturday night with a celebration and performance of Between Breaths, their new CD on Cedille Records that will be released later this week. […]
Review: With Guitarist Aniello Desiderio, Grant Park Symphony Orchestra Gives an Inspired Performance
Under the direction of guest conductor David Danzmayr, the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra gave an inspired performance at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion on Wednesday night. While the playing was tight […]
Review: Grant Park Orchestra Shines with Violinist Esther Yoo and Conductor Ken-David Masur
The Grant Park Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Ken-David Masur, gave a great performance in a program of late romantic and contemporary works at Jay Pritzker Pavilion on Wednesday […]