Mission
Now in our 21st season,
Ars Musica Chicago is dedicated to presenting historically informed
performances of music works primarily from the 12th through
18th centuries. One of our primary missions is to highlight forgotten
treasures of music, making them meaningful and exciting for modern
audiences. Ars Musica Chicago traditionally performs four concerts
per year with music drawn from the medieval to the classical
traditions, in all types and genres of music, vocal and instrumental. We
are also known for our educational outreach and innovative programming,
working in many different venues with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
History
Ars Musica Chicago has become one
of the leading early music groups in the United States, often performing
music never heard since the time of its composers. Founded in 1986,
the organization was originally called The American Medieval Players.
At that time Medieval Mystery dramas were performed at various churches
in the Chicago area. In 1988, Andrew Schultze took over the artistic
direction and began to explore repertory from other musical periods.
At this time Mr. Schultze asked Dr. Enrique Alberto Arias to join
the board and help explore new avenues of musical approach.
In
1992, the name The American Medieval Players was changed to Ars Musica
Chicago and the mission statement emphasized the performance of music
from the 12th through the 18th centuries in a historically informed
manner. Ars Musica is a Latin phrase meaning "musical art." It was
chosen to reflect the broad interest in music of different times and
cultures.
"...some of the finest players from North
America's early-music scene..."
-- CHICAGO TRIBUNE
-- CHICAGO TRIBUNE
Over the last ten years, Ars Musica Chicago has explored
a broad range of repertory, from the Middle Ages to the Baroque. A
striking feature has been the inclusion of music from the Hispanic
tradition. In 2001, Ars Musica Chicago performed music from the Basilica
of the Virgin of Guadalupe at important California venues, music that
was composed in the late 19th and early 19th centuries specifically
for this great Mexican shrine. For instance, highlights of the 2003-04
season included concerts of music from the African tradition of the
18th century and music by Jewish composers living in Baroque Italy. The
2004-05 season included music from the Medieval Carmina Burana and
John Blow's neglected opera Venus and Adonis, written for the English
court of Charles II.
In addition, to iour four concerts
per season and our many outreach concerts, Ars Musica Chicago
has had a relationship with Gallery 37 and After School Matters, two
important teaching entities associated with the Chicago Department
of Cultural Affairs. Ars Musica Chicago's artist-apprentice ensembles
"The Operatics Ensemble" and "The Ages of Discovery Madrigal Group"
attract young artists from diverse backgrounds to participate in professional-caliber
performances and at important venues throughout the city of Chicago.
This exciting outreach program has been one of Ars Musica Chicago's
greatest successes.
In late 2004, Board President Dr. Enrique
Arias passed away. A special concert was produced in his memory. His
dedication, diligence, creativity, and fondness for humanity and music
will be missed. In his place, musicologist Dr. Jeffrey Wasson was
installed as Board President. In the Spring of 2006, following many
years of dedicated service, Andrew Schultze retired as artistic director.
Our Interim Artistic Director is Gail Gillispie.
As
Ars Musica Chicago looks to its future we are extremely excited
about the current season which features stellar performers and
an array of unique programs.