Performance Series ∞ 2009-2010
Vienna Boys Choir
Thursday, November 12, 2009 - 8:00 PM
The world’s most beloved choir.
Founded in 1498 by Emperor Maximilian I, no group of child musicians has won more renown than the incomparable Wiener Sangerknaben, or “Vienna Boys Choir”. Six centuries later, the famed “Vienna Boys Choir” continues to delight music lovers across the globe with their purity of tone, distinctive charm and diverse repertoire. Their crowd pleasing performances include timeless music with universal appeal and incorporate a broad array of Austrian folk songs and waltzes, classical masterpieces, beloved holiday favorites and medieval chant. Gifted musicians with voices of unforgettable beauty, they carry on the “Vienna Boys Choir’s” illustrious tradition as the world’s preeminent boy choir.
“Time may march on, but the Vienna Boys Choir remains a rock-solid institution. 4 out of 4 stars.”—The Green Bay Press Gazette
www.wsk.at
Ahn Trio
Friday, December 04, 2009 - 8:00 PM
Born in Seoul, Korea and educated at Julliard in New York City, the members of the “Ahn Trio”- sisters Maria, Lucia and Angella- are redefining the art and architecture of chamber music. Through transcribed classic rock pieces such as the Doors’ "Riders in the Storm" and commissioned new works from visionary composers like Kenji Bunch, Maurice Jarre, Nikolai Kapustin and Michael Nyman, the “Ahn Trio” is breathing new life into the standard piano trio. Possessing an enviable combination of talent and style, they have long been the subject of international press and were recently named three of People Magazine’s 50 most Beautiful People. The “Ahn Trio’s” unique mix of talent, vitality and innovation earns the respect of seasoned classical music fans and draws new audiences to the genre.
“The music was played as imaginatively as it was chosen. Their technique was impressive, and they balanced unanimity and individuality in a spirit that is at the heart of chamber music.” --The Washington Post
www.ahntrio.com
Winter Dance Party
Saturday, January 23, 2010 - 8:00 PM
Back by popular demand.
John Mueller’s “Winter Dance Party” is the official live and authentic re-creation of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper’s final tour and the only show endorsed by the Holly, Valens and Richardson estates. As seen on national TV and in music venues throughout North America, “Winter Dance Party” highlights all the hit songs of the 50’s era; That’ll Be the Day, Peggy Sue, Oh Boy, Rave On, La Bamba, Chantilly Lace and many more. Featuring John Mueller from the Broadway hit, “Buddy…the Buddy Holly Story” as Buddy Holly, Ray Anthony as Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper’s real life son, Jay P. Richardson as the Big Bopper, this high energy performance transports you back to an exciting time for rock and roll, a time before the ‘music died’.
“Flawless…rings as clear and true as a chord from a Fender Stratocaster.” --The Chicago Tribune
www.winterdanceparty.com
The Second City
Saturday, February 20, 2010 - 8:00 PM
When “The Second City” opened its doors in Chicago 50 years ago, no one could have guessed that this small cabaret theatre would become the most influential and prolific comedy theater in the world. “The Second City’s” experimental and unconventional approach to comedy and theater has made it the premier training ground for the genre’s best and brightest. Their alumni list reads like a who’s who of comedy and includes; Elaine May, Alan Arkin, Joan Rivers, Peter Boyle, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner, Martin Short, John Candy, Chris Farley, Mike Myers, Tina Fey, Steve Carell, Stephen Corbert and countless others. “The Second City” Anniversary Tour will feature some of the best sketches, songs and improvisations from their 50 year history. An evening with “The Second City” provides not only a chance to see comedy starts in the making, but also hilarious satire and cutting-edge improvisation.
“Takes the time to hit local topics along with the national news and still leave room enough to sprinkle in some timeless relationship –oriented sketches. It’s the rare show that may actually please all people, all the time.” – Center Stage Chicago
www.secondcity.com
Gaelic Storm
Saturday, March 20, 2010 - 8:00 PM
Featured in the James Cameron blockbuster hit Titanic, “Gaelic Storm’s” dynamic stage show features rousing upbeat vocals, energetic dance tunes, haunted Celtic ballads and infectious madcap humor. Over the past ten years, “Gaelic Storm” has sold out hundreds of theatres and performing arts centers and played to audiences totaling in the millions-turning this one time pub-band into one of the premier touring acts in the world music scene. Their compelling originals and fresh arrangements steeped in Celtic traditional melody combined with their unique blend of world rhythms continue to broaden the musical horizons of the Celtic music genre. Playing a range of instruments from the African drums, Irish bagpipes and Celtic fiddle to the trombone and Cajun-style accordion, “Gaelic Storm’s” contagious energy and carefree attitude results in exciting live performances filled with swirling tunes and galloping rhythms.
“The band is rooted in Celtic sounds, and the show will be full of fiddles, accordions and tin whistles, not to mention sing-alongs that will no doubt get the crowd on its feet.” – Salt Lake Tribune
“The steerage musicians from the movie “Titanic” exhibit high energy, brash wit and a know-how to sing well about drinking. Though the players come from all over the English-speaking world, the sound is unmistakably, exuberantly Irish.” -- L.A. Daily News
www.gaelicstorm.musiccitynetworks.com