~Nois Quartet and Black Oak Ensemble join forces in Nova Linea Musica’s ‘Letters from Home’ March 12
Chicago-based chamber music series and new-music incubator Nova Linea Musica (NLM), will present “Letters from Home,” a concert featuring two critically acclaimed local ensembles saxophone quartet ~Nois Quartet and string trio Black Oak Ensemble. The program boasts three world premieres—two of which were commissioned by NLM— composed by renowned composers Errollyn Wallen, Conrad Tao and Stacy Garrop alongside 21st century music by composers from around the globe.
The program begins with ~Nois performing Shakespeare’s Jesters (2023) by Chicago’s own Augusta Read Thomas, Eternal Present I. Now (2023) by Missouri-based composer Shelley Washington, High Tide (2023) by Puerto Rican composer Quinones Christian, Danzon No. 5 (Portales de Madrugada)(1999) by Mexican composer Arturo Márquez, and Prized Possessions (2015) by Vietnamese American composer Viet Cuong.
Then, Black Oak Ensemble will begin its set with the world premiere of Making Hay composed by Belize-born, U.K.-based and internationally renowned Errollyn Wallen. Commissioned by Nova Linea Musica and written specifically for the Black Oak Ensemble, Making Hay inspires positivity – at least while the sun shines. Combining traditional English folk melody, Bach-like counterpoint and contemporary harmonies, Making Hay is in turns nostalgic, moody, spirited, and ultimately optimistic. Next, Black Oak will perform Chicago native composer and pianist Conrad Tao’s A Series of Interdependencies. Originally commissioned by Black Oak in 2016 sponsored by Kathy and Gerhard Bette, the piece will welcome its long-awaited world premiere at this concert. To finish the program, ~Nois and Black Oak will join forces for the world premiere of another NLM-commissioned work: Jarbe Mare Jarba for String Trio and Saxophone Quartet arranged by Chicago’s own Stacy Garrop.
“This program includes music from some of the greatest composers working today. We are honored to present new works by two of Chicago’s favorite local composers—Stacy Garrop and Conrad Tao in addition to works by composers from around the globe including the internationally acclaimed Errollyn Wallen.” said Nova Linea Musica Artistic Director Desirée Ruhstrat. “~Nois Quartet and Black Oak Ensemble’s missions and dedication to presenting contemporary music mirror NLM’s values. Audiences are in for an extremely rare treat to hear both of these ensembles performing together.”
“NLM’s home, Chicago, is a magnet for musical artists from all over the globe. Letters From Home celebrates this rich local artistic resource with a program of works not only from Chicago and Missouri but also from Belize, Vietnam, Puerto Rico, England and Mexico.” added Nova Linea Musica Founder & President Michele Mohammadi. “Through performances by ~Nois and Black Oak Ensemble, these Letters From Home will become shared musical experiences, bridging geographic and cultural gaps while reinforcing and unifying artistic solidarity.”
“Letters from Home” takes place Wednesday, March 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Guarneri Hall (11 E Adams St.) Tickets are $40 at novalineamusica.org with a limited number of student tickets available, and include access to a pre-concert discussion from The Society of Disobedient Listeners at 5:30 p.m. and a catered post-concert reception with the artists.
