Chamber Music on the Fox celebrates 'American Pioneer Women of Classical Music'
In April, Chamber Music on the Fox will present "American Pioneer Women of Classical Music," a series of events that highlight some of America's earliest female virtuoso musicians in an otherwise male-dominated classical music world.
Culminating in a recital by internationally acclaimed violinist Rachel Barton Pine, the organization also will present three free programs in partnership with the Gail Borden Public Library that delve even further into the stories of trailblazing artists Maud Powell, Antonia Brico, and Margaret Hillis.
On Thursday, April 5 at the Gail Borden Public Library, Chamber Music on the Fox will celebrate the life of Antonia Brico, one of the first women to set foot upon the conductor's podium, through a screening of the 1974 documentary "Antonia - A Portrait of the Woman" at 6:30 p.m.
On Thursday, April 12, the library will host a second free Chamber Music on the Fox film screening: "Our Maud Powell: America's First Great Violinist" at 6:30 p.m. This new documentary takes a close look into the life and the musical contributions of the Illinois born virtuoso.
On Monday, April 16 at Judson University's Herrick Chapel, Chamber Music on the Fox presents Rachel Barton Pine in a "Tribute to Maud Powell" at 7:30 p.m. Part of a nationwide celebration of Powell's 150th birthday, Rachel will perform works dedicated to, premiered by, and arranged by Powell, and will speak from the stage about the legacy of the great violinist.
And Thursday, April 19 at the Gail Borden Public Library, musicians from Elgin and beyond will share stories and reminiscences of Margaret Hillis, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra's longtime music director, at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets for the April 16 concert at Judson are $30 or $15 for students; free admission for the other programs. To purchase tickets to the performance on April 16, visit www.ChamberMusicontheFox.org or call (224) 276-8881.
Founded by ESO musicians Mark Fry and Sara Sitzer, Chamber Music on the Fox is a world-class classical chamber music series serving Elgin and the greater Fox Valley region, whose mission is to present engaging, enriching, and immersive performances and cultural experiences that enhance and enrich the cultural offerings of the area. Their fourth season includes performances by many of the finest artists in the Chicago and Fox Valley regions.