0 itemsArtists & Ensembles in Residence
World-renowned cellist Wendy Warner and eminent pianist Irina Nuzova are earning critical acclaim for their riveting performances as the duo WarnerNuzova. The two performers’ contrasting cultures and traditions are at the core of the energy and insight of their interpretations. Moscow-born Irina Nuzova studied at Juilliard following rigorous training in Russia, while American Wendy Warner earned her renown as a soloist at the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia under the baton and tutelage of the great Rostropovich. Warner and Nuzova first came together in 2008, out of a shared interest in performing canonical works which feature equal cello and piano parts, as well as commissioning unique arrangements and new music. As homage to their respective backgrounds, the women favor Russian and American repertoire, exploring the commonalities and ‘dissonances’ between the two cultural heritages.
Aebersold and Neiweem Piano Duo
Described as “consummate practitioners of pianism” by The Washington Post, Claire Aebersold and Ralph Neiweem tour regularly throughout North America and Europe. The duo records for Summit Records and recently celebrated their 20th anniversary year as directors of the award-winning Chicago Duo-Piano Festival.
Trained in some of the world's finest music conservatories and comprised of prominent brass performers and educators, the Axiom Brass brings to the stage a new breath of virtuosity and showmanship. The Axiom Brass is dedicated to enhancing the musical life of communities across the globe and educating the next generation of musicians. Axiom’s blend of virtuosic performances and dynamic teaching has been an inspiration to students of all ages; they have guided students to success in high school and college programs across the country.
Directed by British founder and concertmaster Garry Clarke, Baroque Band is Chicago’s new period-instrument orchestra. The Chicago Tribune’s John von Rhein described the group saying it “has all the right stuff.” Baroque Band includes musicians who share a passion for performing on historical instruments and who are committed to educating future generations of period instrumentalists and their audiences.
Formed in 2003, the Lincoln Trio is one of Chicago’s most celebrated chamber groups and includes violinist Desirée Ruhstrat, cellist David Cunliffe, and pianist Marta Aznavoorian. The Lincoln Trio performs frequently; recent engagements include Chicago’s WFMT radio, Music in the Loft, NEIU Jewel Box Series, Fazioli Concert Series, and the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series. A champion for new music, the Lincoln Trio has performed numerous compositions written especially for them. The trio made its Ravinia Festival debut in 2009.
MIC Composer in Residence, Mischa Zupko, has collaborated with a number of today’s most exciting performers and ensembles. His orchestral music has been praised by the L.A. times as “engaging” and honors include first place in the Pacific Symphony Orchestra’s American Composer’s Competition, the Lee Ettelson Composers Award from Composers Inc., three ASCAP Morton Gould Young Composers Awards, the Jacob Druckman prize from the Aspen Music Festival, and finalist in the Rome Prize Competition. In addition, Zupko has been commissioned by orchestras and universities across the country.
Winner of the 2008 International Brazilian Press Award for outstanding promotion of Brazilian music in the United States, Orquestra de Samba is a collaboration of ten Chicago area musicians with classical, jazz, and Latin musical backgrounds who explore and share the excitement of Brazilian music. Director Chris Hasselbring leads this innovative ensemble which reaches thousands of eager Chicagoland listeners through in-school concerts, community events, workshops, and cultural arts festivals each year.
Quintet Attacca is one of Chicago’s most dynamic chamber music ensembles and includes Jennifer Clippert, flute; Erica Burtner Anderson, oboe; Barbara Drapcho, clarinet; Collin Anderson, bassoon; and Jeremiah Frederick, horn. This ensemble delights in bringing wind quintet music to diverse audiences and presents educational programs and master classes at schools, libraries, and universities across the Midwest.
New Music Theatre Ensemble
MIC's New Music Theatre Ensemble brings world culture and literature to life through lively performances of original musicals created and performed by local professionals. From the story of the Chinese peasant boy Ma Liang and his magic paint brush, to Anansi the trickster spider from West Africa, each tuneful and humorous work represents topics and tales from school reading lists and curriculum, and end with a live question and answer session with the shows' creators and with singing actors fresh from Chicago's finest stages.
