The evening begins with Scott Joplin’s Overture from Treemonisha, recently performed at Chicago Sinfonietta’s January 2024 MLK Tribute Concert. The  piece uniquely combines Joplin's signature ragtime style with elements of classical music and Black folk tunes. The overture features a mix of lively and expressive musical elements, showcasing Joplin's mastery of ragtime rhythms and melodies. 

Florence Price 
Andante Moderato 

Next, we move on to Florence Price’s Andante Moderato from the String Quartet in G major. In this movement, you can expect a lyrical and expressive character with bright and optimistic tonality. Price's music often reflects a blend of classical traditions with influences from Black spirituals and folk melodies.  

Margaret Bonds 
VI. Lament, Montgomery Variations 

Known for her grand contributions to classical music, Black spirituals and folk tunes, Margaret Bond's Lament is our next piece. Sweeping in emotional tones that steadily grow in body and presence, the piece builds in energy as we round out our overtures for the evening.  

Jennifer Higdon 
Raucous Rumpus, Dance Card 

Higdon's musical compositions are frequently recognized for their accessibility, rhythmic dynamism, and vibrant orchestrations. In the lively composition that is Raucous Rumpus, brace yourself for an irresistible urge to rise to your feet as playful elements embody the essence of spirited dance. The piece relies on a dynamic interplay of rapid-fire call-and-response elements, with sinuous scales seamlessly passed between the diverse string groups. 

Trevor Weston 
Aurorean Air 
 

"I have always gravitated to music that mesmerizes and entrances its listeners by creating a sense of suspended reality. Music can be a portal to a parallel existence where our experiences, thoughts, and ideas are communicated through the more impactful abstract nature of aural stimuli. Music allows us to retreat from the mundane to reflect more profoundly on our existence. My intention is to create music that is transformative regardless of instrumentation or style," says Weston.  
 

Trevor Weston’s music has been called a “gently syncopated marriage of intellect and feeling." We get to know Weston personally through his piece Aurorean Air. 

Jennifer Higdon 
Machina Rockus, Dance Card 

Machina Rockus is propelled by a profound inclination to intricately layer rhythmic patterns, a creative pursuit that is further elevated through the intensification and skillful execution of "switchbacks." This artistic process involves a meticulous exploration of rhythmic complexities, where each layer contributes to a harmonious synergy via the switchbacks. 
 

Michael R. Dudley Jr. 
A Prayer for Our Times, for String Orchestra  
 

"The early texture of the piece reflects the season of winter, with sparse melodic activity mirroring the perceived absence of color and life after the changing of leaves in fall. As the piece continues, it evolves through two more settings that I hope will help all who engage with it to process their own grief from the events of the past few years. If I were to offer a message of prayer, let it be that we learn to not hide our sorrow from loss, and instead recognize grief as a necessary part of the process for growth; may we leave behind what does not serve our future while also being thankful for all that has come before," says Dudley Jr about A Prayer for Our Times.
 

Benjamin Britten 
Simple Symphony II. Playful Pizzicato

Simple Symphony is a musical composition crafted by Benjamin Britten during the years 1933-1934. The second movement within this symphony is aptly titled Playful Pizzicato. Rooted in themes composed by Britten during his youth, the composition reflects his playful and witty approach to music.

In the Playful Pizzicato movement, listeners can anticipate an infusion of lively and light-hearted musical expressions. The term "pizzicato" denotes a playing technique where the strings are plucked instead of bowed, resulting in a distinctive and often playful auditory experience. This movement is renowned for its charming melodies, rhythmic vivacity, and the pervasive use of pizzicato throughout, imbuing the music with a delightful whimsicality. 
 

Jessie Montgomery 
Strum 

Strum stands as a musical creation by Jessie Montgomery, a contemporary American composer and violinist celebrated for her dynamic and vibrant compositions. This string quartet is a testament to Montgomery's distinctive voice and innovative composition style.

In Strum, Montgomery demonstrates a skillful integration of rhythmic elements and techniques inspired by American folk traditions. The title inherently suggests a technique historically associated with string instruments like the guitar. This piece is acknowledged for its compelling rhythmic drive, syncopations, and harmonious fusion of classical and folk influences, all of which converge to create its distinctive and captivating character. 
 

Grace Williams 
II. Sailing Song, Sea Sketches 
 

Sea Sketches stands as a composition by Grace Williams, a notable Welsh composer recognized for her significant contributions to classical music. This suite for strings intricately captures diverse aspects and moods associated with the sea.

In the context of Sailing Song, anticipate music that vividly conjures the imagery and emotions linked to sailing. Drawing inspiration from the maritime surroundings of Wales, Grace Williams, being Welsh herself, infuses this movement with melodic and rhythmic elements reminiscent of the sea, providing a rich musical portrayal of the sailing experience. 
 

Tchaikovsky 
Serenade mvt. IV.m Teme Russo 

Tchaikovsky's Serenade for Strings in C major, Op. 48 is a captivating and widely recognized composition from the year 1880. The fourth movement, titled Finale (Tema Russo), is particularly noteworthy for its vibrant and animated Russian dance theme. The term Tema Russo translates to "Russian theme," and in this movement, Tchaikovsky skillfully weaves elements of Russian folk music.