Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Chicago Chamber Musicians Ensemble | Chamber Monday Series

By TOM BOWSER


This concert was another example of the many excellent free events sponsored by the City of Chicago through the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE). Chamber Monday Series concerts are held in the stunning Preston Bradley Hall in the Chicago Cultural Center every Monday at 12:15 pm.

Chamber Monday Series concerts are 45 minutes long. This makes them the perfect mid day break. If you're not able to stay for the entire show you can quietly leave when you need to. My wife and I often meet at these concerts during our lunch hour. We also occasionally schedule a day off during the week to attend Chamber Monday Series concerts. It's convenient to combine a free concert with lunch and any shopping we might need to do downtown.

The Chicago Chamber Musicians Ensemble perform the Brahms String Quartet in B Flat Major Op. 67 at the Chamber Monday Series concert in the Chicago Cultural Center | photo by Tom Bowser

What did you miss if you were not at the show?? Wow! What a fantastic performance! The Chicago Chamber Musicians Ensemble for this event consisted of musicians who are currently or have previously played with the world class Chicago Symphony Orchestra. For example, violinist Robert Chen is currently the "concertmaster" for the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The concertmaster would be considered one of the most important and talented people in an orchestra. My wife and I were sitting approximately 50 feet from the musicians. Comparable seats to see the Chicago Symphony Orchestra perform would easily cost well over $100.00 per ticket, per person.

This was the first time I had ever seen the Brahms-String Quartet No. 3 performed. I found it to be an energetic and uplifting composition. The viola was nicely showcased in this composition. Professional classical musicians impress me with their precision, attention to detail and ability to infuse emotion into each passage they play. I always enjoy watching the interaction between professional string players as they perform. Communication between the players takes place at many levels.

Live music is very special. No recording or video captures a live performance perfectly or completely. You have to be there.


The Chicago Chamber Musicians Ensemble for this performance was:

- Jasmine Lin, violin
- Robert Chen, violin
- Anthony Devroye, viola
- Kenneth Olsen, cello


The Chicago Chamber Musicians Ensemble perform the Brahms String Quartet in B Flat Major Op. 67 at the Chamber Monday Series concert in the Chicago Cultural Center in Chicago | photo by Tom Bowser


The Chicago Chamber Musicians Ensemble performed:


String Quartet in B Flat Major Op. 67 composed by Johannes Brahms
- Vivace
- Andante
- Agitato (Allegretto non troppo)
- Poco Allegretto con Variazioni