Alsop Conducts Wolfe: Her Story

Jan 6-7, 2023

Overview

Conductor Marin Alsop leads the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in three pivotal works by 21st-century women composers. This Midnight Hour, a single-movement orchestral composition by former Mead Composer-in-Residence Anna Clyne, evokes a visual journey for the listener. Mead Composer-in-Residence Jessie Montgomery’s Rounds, commissioned for and performed by pianist Awadagin Pratt, is inspired by the constancy, rhythms and duality of life that impact all living things. Closing the program is Her Story, a CSO co-commission by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Julia Wolfe that captures the passion and perseverance of women who have led the fight for representation and gender equality. A 40-minute theatrical experience for orchestra and women’s vocal ensemble, the piece is the latest in a series of compositions by Wolfe that highlights monumental and turbulent moments in American history.

Explore the music in the free preconcert conversation featuring Guillermo Muñoz Küster in Orchestra Hall 75 minutes before the performance. For the Jan. 6 talk, composers Julia Wolfe and Jessie Montgomery also will participate. The conversation will last approximately 30 minutes. No additional tickets are needed.


  • Venue
    Symphony Center
  • Length
    1 hour 50 minutes
  • Preconcert Conversation
    with Guillermo Muñoz Küster
  • Program Book
    Read more
Program
Clyne

This Midnight Hour

Montgomery

Rounds

Wolfe

Her Story [CSO Co-commission]

Performers
Conductor
Vocal group
Composer
Director
Scenic, lighting and production designer
Sound engineer
Costume designer
Producer
Associate director
Anya Plotkin
Production stage manager
Jessica Donaldson
Wardrobe assistant
Sponsors

Her Story is commissioned by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra through the generous support of the Helen Zell Commissioning Program.

These performances are generously sponsored by Marion A. Cameron-Gray and the Julian Family Foundation. Additional support is provided by Caroline Foulke Wettersten, Michael and Mary Woolever and the Women’s Board of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.


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Now Available on CSO Resound

Recorded live in February 2020, Riccardo Muti leads the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Chorus and a cast of outstanding soloists in Pietro Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana — a definitive 21st-century recording certain to stand the test of time. Available worldwide January 6.

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