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 our four concerts per
season, Ars Musica Chicago is dedicated to community outreach.
For a number of years, Ars Musica Chicago participated in the Gallery
37 and After School Matters programs, two important teaching entities
associated with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, attracting
young artists from diverse backgrounds to participate in professional-caliber
performances at important venues throughout the city of Chicago. This
exciting outreach program was one of Ars Musica Chicago's greatest
successes, receiving critical praise from the press and the city (see
Community Outreach). Currently, Ars Musica Chicago is producing
two exciting "hands-on" concert-lectures for the young people
of The Peoples Music School (see Community Outreach).
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.