Orion Ensemble Welcomes CYSO Quartet Tonight

The Orion Ensemble, winner of the prestigious Chamber Music America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, is pleased to welcome the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras' Quattro Voci String Quartet for the final performance of "Jubilation," its third concert program of the 2014-15 season. The young performers join Orion as its Janet's Stage Artist Partners tonight, March 18 at 7:30 p.m. at PianoForte Studios, 1335 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago.

The Quattro Voci String Quartet musicians are violinist Shannon Kollasch, who lives in Naperville and is a senior at Neuqua Valley High School; violinist Isabella Spinelli, who lives in Willowbrook and is a sophomore at the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy; violist Kayla Cabrera, who lives in Crete and is a home-schooled sophomore; and cellist Timothy Edwards, who lives in Downers Grove and is a junior at Downers Grove High School. They will perform the first movement of Mendelssohn's String Quartet, Op. 44, No. 2.

"Jubilation," Orion's third concert program of its 22nd season, features Chicago composer Stacy Garrop's for violin, cello and piano. Also on the program is Emil Hartmann's Serenade for Clarinet, Cello and Piano and Ludwig van Beethoven's Piano Trio in B-flat Major, Op. 97, commonly referred to as the Archduke Trio. Prior to the March 18 performance with the Quattro Voci String Quartet, Orion performs this program at the First Baptist Church of Geneva March 8 and at the Music Institute of Chicago's Nichols Concert Hall in Evanston March 15.

Janet's Stage is a one-of-a-kind collaboration with the orchestra departments at Batavia, Geneva and Glenbard West High Schools, with the Orion musicians-clarinetist and executive director Kathy Pirtle, violinist Florentina Ramniceanu, pianist Diana Schmück and cellist Judy Stone-providing multifaceted, year-long student support. The program offers practical, individualized learning through master classes and chamber music coaching, performances for students and parents at each school, invitations to attend Orion concerts and the opportunity for student ensembles to perform on the Orion concert stage.

Orion's 2014-15 season

Orion's 2014-15 season, A Taste of Chicago, A World of Romance features a Chicago composer on each of its four programs; the final program, "Celebration" in May 2015, features guest Stephen Boe and works by Chicagoan Marc Mellits, Kókai and Brahms. Also during the season, Orion appears on the broadcast series "Live from WFMT" March 23 and June 1, 2015.

The Orion Ensemble
Founded in 1992, The Orion Ensemble, winner of the prestigious Chamber Music America/ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming for its critically acclaimed millennium celebration "An Inside Look at Contemporary Music," features a roster of four superb musicians--Kathryne Pirtle (clarinet), Florentina Ramniceanu (violin), Diana Schmück (piano) and Judy Stone (cello)--who have performed throughout North America, Europe and Asia, as an ensemble and individually in solo, orchestral and other chamber music roles. The Chicago Tribune called Orion "one of Chicago's most vibrant, versatile and distinctive ensembles," and the Chicago Sun-Times said Orion is "what chamber music should be all about: Individual virtuosity melded into a group personality." The Orion Ensemble is supported in part by grants from the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelley Foundation, the Illinois Arts Council and generous donations from patrons. For a brief history, click here.

Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras

Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO) has provided music education through orchestral programs and performance opportunities of the highest caliber since 1946. CYSO currently serves 500 Chicago-area musicians ages six through 18 through three full orchestras, three string orchestras, multiple steel orchestras and supplemental programs that include chamber music ensembles, music theory and composition. CYSO also reaches the diverse population of Chicago Public School students, educators and community members each year through its Music Pathways program. Music Pathways includes an In-School Residency Program with several partner CPS elementary schools, Clinics for partner CPS high schools, free Community Concerts, a Private Lesson Program for current CYSO students and Neighborhood Ensembles. CYSO, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is investing in the future of music and the next generation of leaders. For more information visit cyso.org or call 312-939-2207. Follow CYSO on Twitter at twitter.com/ChiYSO. Like CYSO on Facebook at facebook.com/ChicagoYouthSymphonyOrchestras.

Performance and ticket information
The Orion Ensemble's concert program "Jubilation" takes place Sunday, March 8 at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Geneva, 2300 South Street in Geneva; Sunday, March 15 at 7:30 p.m. at Music Institute of Chicago's Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Avenue in Evanston; and Wednesday, March 18--with the Quattro Voci String Quartet--at 7:30 p.m. in the Recital Hall at PianoForte Studios, 1335 S. Michigan Avenue in Chicago. Single tickets are $26, $23 for seniors and $10 for students; admission is free for children 12 and younger. A four-ticket flexible subscription provides a 10 percent savings on full-priced tickets. For tickets or more information, call 630-628-9591 or visit orionensemble.org.

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