Chicago Philharmonic brings 'Blarney, Beethove and Brahms' to Park Ridge
To celebrate St. Patrick's Day weekend, the Chicago Philharmonic Chamber Players will present works with an Irish flair in their upcoming concert Blarney, Beethoven and Brahms at St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Park Ridge on Sunday, March 18 at 3 p.m.
Swiss composer Frank Martin was commissioned in 1925 by a wealthy Irish-American business man to write a trio with Irish themes. Martin composed a piece inspired by ancient Celtic melodies. The resulting work, Trio on Popular Irish Melodies, is a very complex and entertaining piece of authentic chamber music.
In 1809, Ludwig van Beethoven was commissioned by a Scottish publisher to compose a collection of Scottish, Irish and Welsh folk song arrangements. The Chicago Philharmonic Chamber Players will perform three of the Irish songs - Beethoven's Irische Lieder for Violin, Cello, Flute and Piano: Garyone; Oh, Who, My Dear Dermot; and St. Patrick's Day.
The group will also perform a piece by Johannes Brahms - Piano Quartet in A Major, Opus 26. This work opens with a serene tone that builds and develops throughout the piece, ultimately concluding with a lively folk dance in the finale.
The program will also include Johann Nepomuk Hummel's Trio for Flute, Cello and Piano in A Major, Opus 78.
Performers are: Jennifer Cappelli, Violin; Karl Davies, Viola; Margaret Daly, Cello; Donna Milanovich, Flute; and John Goodwin, Piano.
The Chicago Philharmonic is made up primarily of Lyric Opera Orchestra members and other top flight musicians.
Concerts take place at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 205 North Prospect Avenue, Park Ridge, IL 60068. Concerts are partially funded by Michael Becker Fine Violins. This program is supported in part by the Illinois Arts Council.
Tickets are $15 in advance ($10 seniors 65 and older)/$20 at the door ($15 seniors 65 and older). Students are free. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Michael Becker Fine Violins located at 28 Third St. in Park Ridge or at Allegro Music Center, 800 West Devon Ave. in Park Ridge. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.chicagophilharmonic.org or by phone at (847) 866-6888.