Wheaton College Artist Series to feature Picosa ensemble

Posted January 07, 2024 5:52 pm

Submitted by Wheaton College

The Wheaton College Artist Series presents Picosa on Saturday, Jan. 20, with a program exploring the many facets of the American experience with guest artist LaRob K. Rafael.

The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Armerding Center for Music and the Arts Concert Hall located at 520 E. Kenilworth Ave., Wheaton.

Tickets are $33.04 to $54.28 or $11.80 to $18.88 for students with ID. The ticket prices include service charges. For ticket information, visit tickets.wheaton.edu.

Howard Whitaker’s “This Vale of Tears” opens the program with jazz influences and a statement about the impact of violence in American society.

Shawn Okpebholo’s “CryptOlogie” is a complex work that playfully incorporates the initials of his daughters in Morse code.

Picosa's program explores "Americana" with guest artist LaRob K. Rafael. Courtesy of Picosa

LaRob K. Rafael joins the ensemble in John Harbison’s “Songs America Loves to Sing.”

Finally, the program closes with Aaron Copland’s “Appalachian Spring” which has become among the most iconic American pieces, written by the son of immigrants.

Picosa features Jennie Oh Brown, flute; Andrea R. DiOrio, clarinet; Elizabeth Brausa Braithwaite, violin; Paula Kosower, cellist; Kuang-Hao Wang, pianist, and Jonathon Kirk, composer-in-residence.

Ticket holders are welcome to attend Grace Notes, a pre-concert talk, from 6:30 to 7 p.m.

Picosa is a Chicago-based ensemble of flute, clarinet, violin, cello, piano, and composer-in-residence presenting compelling performances that reimagine the traditional classical music concert.

Picosa concerts explore the human experience through music and narrative, and invite audience members to connect to the conversation with the question: What's your story?

They believe that music’s enduring power is its innate ability to engage performers, composers, audience in reflecting and conversing about common experiences , values, and aspirations. Picosa believes in equipping and encouraging the rising generation of musicians through school outreach programs, guest workshops, and residencies.

For more information, call (630) 752-5010.

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