Mission and History - Ars Musica Chicago - early music with a difference

Mission

Now in our 24th season, Ars Musica Chicago is dedicated to presenting historically informed performances of music works from the Middle Ages through the early Classic Period.

One of our primary missions is to highlight forgotten treasures of music, making them meaningful and exciting for modern audiences. Ars Musica Chicago traditionally presents three to four concerts per year with music drawn from the medieval to the classical era, 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.

Over the last twelve years, Ars Musica Chicago has explored a broad range of repertory, from the Middle Ages to the Baroque and even the early classic period. 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.

AMC's broad repertory includes music of many cultures. 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. And 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 AMC's three to 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 Music Director. Our Interim Music Director was Gail Gillispie.

Renowned conductor and keyboard virtuoso Stephen Alltop served for two seasons as Ars Musica Chicago's Acting Music Director, which helped AMC reach a new level of excellence. Under Maestro Alltop, recent seasons have been highlighted by AMC's presentation of the United States premier of the 18th century opera NERONE by Egidio Duni. Dr. Alltop continues to serve as our artistic advisor.

Excerpts of this stellar performance may be seen and heard here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAwpAi_9y2o

Several more audio samples may be heard on our AUDIO PAGE.

History

Ars Musica Chicago (AMC) has become one of the leading early music organisations 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.