Skokie resident to perform at free concert April 14

Skokie resident Francisco Lopez Malespin will be bringing his musical talents to the stage in a free concert for local residents!

Francisco Lopez Malespin, cellist, will be performing with Julimar Gonzalez,violinist, and Young Jee Cho, pianist, as part of the “Second Sundays” concert series of Concordia Church.

The family-friendly concert takes place on Sunday, April 14 at noon at Concordia Church: 3855 N. Seeley Ave., Chicago. Tickets are not required, but an rsvp through Concordia’s website is encouraged.

Cellist Francisco Lopez Malespin, a native of Brazil began his musical career at age 18 at CEFAR in Belo Horizonte, a music school with a curriculum correlated with the internationally recognized “El Sistema” program. This early training has instilled a lifelong dedication to enriching his understanding of cello performance and the highest standard of musicianship. Malespin was the first recipient of the prestigious Rita Simo Scholarship, covering all costs to successfully graduate from North Park University with a Certificate in Music for Social Change. He subsequently graduated from DePaul University School of Music with a Masters of Music degree and a Performance Certificate.

Since moving to Chicago in 2011, Malespin has had the privilege of studying with the city’s foremost cellists and pedagogues including Paula Kosower at North Park, Steve Balderston at DePaul, and John Sharp from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He has performed extensively in many orchestras and chamber music settings including the Quad Cities Symphony, Illinois Symphony, as well as chamber music performances at various venues throughout the Midwest.

As a teacher, he has structured his method incorporating fundamentals of the “El Sistema” philosophy and traditional cello pedagogy. He has most recently taught at the CPS outreach programs of The People’s Music School and DePaul Community Music Division. Passionate about teaching, Francisco currently maintains a studio in the Northern Suburbs area as well as a mentorship position with Chicago Musical Pathways Initiative.