Rock, classical music musicians play at Arboretum

Expect the Morton Arboretum's woods to sound a little different Sunday afternoon.

That usual crunch of a leaf underfoot, creak of the branches blowing in a winter breeze, sound of squirrels chattering and chasing — that might not be audible from the Thornhill Education Center.

Instead, the Third Coast Percussion ensemble will give the Lisle outdoor museum an entirely different sound while performing “Songs of Wood and Metal” as part of the arboretum's Chamber Concert Series at 2:15 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 9.

“Of course we're surrounded by 1,700 acres of trees and woodlands, but it's lovely to hear woods used this way,” said Rita Hassert, librarian at the arboretum and chamber music coordinator. “I thought it was a great match to have this performance here.”

Using more traditional instruments including drums, marimbas, slats of pinewood, vibraphones and shakers, the ensemble incorporates eclectic instruments as well, such as conch shells, pots, anvils, tin cans and more.

Visitors will trade the sounds of an occasional bird chirping for the deep bonging of a drum and tink of an accompanying metal object. Reviewers have described Third Coast Percussion's energy to the level of a rock concert, but with the precision of classical chamber music.

“It's going to wake people up, that's for sure,” Hassert said. “It's all very carefully choreographed and it's very physical, too. Visually, it appears to be very physical making sure the sound resonates and things like that.”

The Chicago-based quartet features Owen Clayton Condon, Robert Dillon, Peter Martin and David Skidmore. The members hold degrees in music performance from Northwestern University, the Yale School of Music, the New England Conservatory and Rutgers University.

Dedicated to modern music, the ensemble honors the works of composers young and old, from Philippe Manoury's “Le Livre des Claviers” to the tribal sounds of John Cage's “Third Construction.”

The show is the third in the arboretum's five-part winter Chamber Concert Series held in the Thornhill Education Center at the arboretum, 4100 Route 53, Lisle.

Following the show, guests can interact with the musicians at a reception and wine tasting in the Founder's Room.

The Chamber Concert Series, founded in 1980, now includes performances from November through March by ensembles and quartets and even soloists from the area and throughout the country.

The next concert in the series is Feb. 6 by the Elmhurst Symphony Strings, followed by a saxophone performance March 6 by the Solaire Quartet.

Tickets are still available for Sunday's performance, as well as the remaining two concert dates.

The cost is $28 per person for nonmembers and $23 for arboretum members. That includes admission to the arboretum, as well as the reception and wine tasting.

Winter is a beautiful time to visit the arboretum, snow or not, Hassert said.

“You can notice tree architecture and branch structure,” she said. “You get a view of the grounds without all those leaves and things. It's a lovely time to visit the arboretum.”

For more information, call (630) 725-2066 or visit mortonarb.org.

Third Coast Percussion “Songs of Wood and Metal”

{When}: 2:15 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 9

{Where:} Morton Arboretum's Thornhill Education Center, 4100 Route 53, Lisle

{Cost:} $23 for members, $28 for others

{Info}: (630) 725-2066 or mortonarb.org