CHICAGO SINFONIETTA concludes 2014-2015 season with United We Stand, A unique tribute to service members

CHICAGO SINFONIETTA concludes 2014-2015 season with

“United We Stand,” A unique tribute to service members

Wentz Concert Hall, Naperville, June 6

Symphony Center, Chicago, June 8

CHICAGO (May 4, 2015)–Chicago Sinfonietta concludes its 2014-2015 season in a powerful exploration of the American experience with United We Stand. Led by Sinfonietta Music Director Mei-Ann Chen, the program will celebrate America, the men and women who serve, and pride in shared struggles and triumphs that unite Americans as a whole. The Chicago Sinfonietta performs United We Stand twice: first, in the western suburbs at Wentz Concert Hall of North Central College, Naperville, Saturday, June 6 at 8:00 p.m., and then again in its downtown Chicago home venue of Symphony Center, Monday, June 8 at 7:30 pm. The performance at Symphony Center on June 8 will be recorded by WYCC TV for a musical documentary special to air in the fall of 2015.

The United We Stand program will take audiences on a musical journey through the eyes of three very different composers, beginning first with American composer and musical maverick Charles Ives in a performance of his famous Variations on “America” offering audiences an unusual, lush version of the unofficial national song. The music of Chicago-based composer and Vietnam vet James “Kimo” Williams follows with Symphony for the Sons of Nam and the world premiere of a new orchestral version of his work, Veteran’s Lament, both providing a musical view of one soldier’s experience. The performance of Veteran’s Lament will be accompanied by a never-before-seen video montage of images of our soldiers, from the Revolutionary War to the present. Photos projected will include those of family members sent in by Chicago Sinfonietta audience members, musicians, staff, and others, making this performance an intensely moving, personal experience.

The concert concludes with the inspiration of Antonín Dvoøák’s orchestral masterwork New World Symphony, a musical representation of Dvoøák’s journey to America, his introduction to the culture and his discovery of its indigenous sounds. Now one of the most well-known symphonies worldwide, Dvoøák’s fresh and rhythmic melody embodies love for one’s heritage and appreciation for the new world, bringing the audience on a full circle, American adventure.

“Living in the United States of America, we all enjoy the freedom we have come to expect as our right.  But that freedom does not come without a price,” said Chen. “The selfless sacrifices that the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard make for us on a daily basis, 24/7 protects that freedom. Through known works of Ives and Dvorak, and the world premiere of Chicago-based composer and Vietnam vet James “Kimo” Williams during this special program, we honor and recognize the incredible service provided by these brave individuals, as well as the sacrifices made by their families and loved ones.”

Tickets

Single tickets range from $16-$99 for concerts at Symphony Center and $46-$58 for concerts at Wentz Concert Hall, with special $10 pricing available for students at both concerts.  Tickets can be purchased by calling the Chicago Sinfonietta at 312-236-3681 ext. 2 or online at www.chicagosinfonietta.org.

About the Sinfonietta

Concluding its 27^th season, the Chicago Sinfonietta has pushed artistic and social boundaries to provide an alternative way of hearing, seeing and thinking about a symphony orchestra. Each concert experience blends inventive new works with classical masterworks, each from a diverse array of voices, to entertain, transform and inspire.  Learn more at www.chicagosinfonietta.org.

Saturday, June 6, 2015 at 8:00 pm, Wentz Concert Hall of North Central College, Naperville

Monday, June 8, 2015 at 7:30 pm, Orchestra Hall of Symphony Center, Chicago

Tickets: $46–$58 (Wentz Concert Hall); $16– to $99 (Symphony Center)

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