“MusicNOW—the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s contemporary chamber series, which opens its 20th anniversary season Monday night—started small,” writes Wynne Delacoma in Wednesday’s (9/27) Chicago Classical Review. “The first season consisted of just a single concert…. But what a concert—string quartets by Elliott Carter, Charles Ives and Conlon Nancarrow with the Arditti Quartet…. For the next two decades, a succession of CSO composers in residence shaped MusicNOW. This season is the handiwork of Elizabeth Ogonek and Samuel Adams, who wrap up their three-year joint appointment in June…. Monday night’s concert at the Harris Theater features music by all seven former CSO composers in residence: [John] Corigliano, Shulamit Ran, Augusta Read Thomas, Osvaldo Golijov, Mark-Anthony Turnage, Mason Bates and Anna Clyne…. There have been close to 30 world premieres… Today’s typical MusicNOW audience includes twenty-somethings attracted by the experimental sounds, casual vibe, and free post-concert pizza and beer. Seasoned CSO subscribers thirsting for something beyond Tchaikovsky and Brahms also turn up regularly…. This season continues Nov. 13 with composer-pianist Vijay Iyer…. April 2 brings the world premiere of Savior, a full-evening theatrical piece about the life of Joan of Arc by Amy Beth Kirsten, a MusicNOW commission.”
Posted September 29, 2017
