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Single ticket prices for all concerts are $30, $26 and $18.
“Dianne’s the legitimate extension of all of the good things that have gone on before, from Ethel Waters to Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah and Carmen.” – Joe Williams, Down Beat
Dianne Reeves, jazz vocalist
Friday, March 14, 2008
Supported in part by President Sidney A. Ribeau
The pre-eminent jazz vocalist in the world, Dianne Reeves’ virtuosity, improvisational prowess and unique jazz and R&B stylings have made her one of the most sought after jazz artists today. Recipient of the Ella Fitzgerald Award at the Montreal International Jazz Festival and the first Creative Chair for Jazz for the Los Angeles Philharmonic, she has recorded and performed extensively with Wynton Marsalis and the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra. Reeves won the Grammy for Best Jazz Vocal Performance for three consecutive recordings—a Grammy first in any vocal category. She also appeared and performed in George Clooney’s movie and soundtrack recording of Good Night, and Good Luck, which garnered her fourth Best Jazz Vocal Grammy in 2006. This is her first appearance on the Festival Series.
“…the hottest rising star in the classical music world…” – Morley Safer, 60 Minutes
Gabriela Montero, piano
Friday, April 4, 2008
Louise F. Reese Memorial Concert
Described by critics as possessing “a combination of ferocity and eloquence,” Gabriela Montero has appeared with orchestras around the globe, from South America and the United States, to Europe, Japan and the Far East. Winner of a Bronze Medal at the 13th International Chopin Piano Competition, the Venezuelian-born Montero is not shy about straying from classical styles into more popular territory. The subject of a “60 Minutes” feature in fall 2006, she is rapidly becoming known for her improvisation skills, where she utilizes well-known themes and weaves them into intricately formed “spontaneous compositions.” This is her first Festival Series appearance.
“Good reason to turn off the stereo and go to a real live concert.” – The Milwaukee Sentinel
The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble
Friday, September 28, 2007
The Lois M. Nitschke Memorial Concert
Select a group of eight elite musicians from London’s illustrious Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, and what do you get? Only one the world’s finest chamber ensembles! Making its debut on the Festival Series, the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble was created in 1967. The group is drawn from the principal players of the orchestra, and tours as a string octet, string sextet and other configurations. The ensemble draws rave reviews for its performances both on tour and in the recording studio, with over 30 CDs on such labels as Philips Classics and Hyperion.
“No one needs a critic when an audience leaps to its feet, calling a star soloist back for three encores.” – The New Orleans Times-Picayune
Naoko Takada, marimba
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Born in Tokyo and first appearing as a soloist with the Tokyo Symphony and Tokyo Chamber Orchestra at the age of 11, Japanese marimbist Naoko Takada makes her debut on the Festival Series. Referred to as a “compact musical dynamo,” she is renowned for her wide range of repertoire—from Bach to Piazzolla. First prize-winner of the 2002 Ima Hogg Young Artist Competition and the Young Concert Artists International Auditions, she premiered Kevin Puts’ Marimba Concerto with Leonard Slatkin and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s in 2004. Her concerts appeal to audiences of all ages with performances that explore the tone and nuances of her unique instrument. Her visit will include several residency activities.
“[Meyer is] one of the most remarkable virtuosos…in the history of his instrument” – The New Yorker
“Marshall is a one-man talent pool.” – Frets Magazine
Edgar Meyer, double bass, and
Mike Marshall, mandolin
Friday, October 12, 2007
For over 20 years, bassist Edgar Meyer and mandolin player Mike Marshall have been at the vanguard of American instrumental string music. Marshall is one of the world’s most versatile acoustic musicians, whose playing is as imaginative and adventurous as is it technically thrilling. The recipient of the MacArthur Foundation Fellowship and winner of two Grammy Awards, Meyer is arguably the greatest classical bassist to ever pick up the instrument. The Festival Series welcomes these two amazing artists in a lighthearted concert of adventurous music with the kind of variety, beauty and range rarely experienced.
“Imani Winds is a true breath of fresh air. The classical music world would do well to take the Imani model to heart.” – Washington Post
Imani Winds
Friday, November 9, 2007
Five accomplished musicians of African/Latin American heritage came together in 1996 to form Imani Winds to expand the boundaries of the traditional wind quintet. Imani, literally “faith” in Swahili, embodies the ensemble’s mission: exploring the links between European, African and American musical traditions. This young ensemble has established a distinct presence for dynamic playing, innovative programming and inspirational outreach programs. We welcome the Imani Winds as it returns to the Festival Series following a successful residency during the 2003–04 season.
- Friday, September 28, 2007The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Chamber Ensemble Lois M. Nitschke Memorial Concert - Friday, October 12, 2007Edgar Meyer, double bass, and Mike Marshall, mandolin
- Friday, November 9, 2007Imani Winds
- Thursday, January 31, 2008Naoko Takada, marimba
- Friday, March 14, 2008Dianne Reeves, jazz vocalist supported in part by President Sidney A. Ribeau
- Friday, April 4, 2008Gabriela Montero, piano Louise F. Rees Memorial Concert