Special Annual Events

In partnership with other University and community organizations, the Music Department produces several annual highlights that are as varied and vibrant as the performance program itself. These performances are much-anticipated by audiences and musicians alike, and are some of the best-loved events in Hyde Park.

Halloween Concert

Conductor Barbara Schubert brings together the University Symphony Orchestra, University Women’s Chorale, and Hyde Park School of Dance for a haunted and harmonious concert to celebrate the Halloween season. Themes of past concerts have included “Dangerous Women,” “Quoth the Raven,” and “Double, Double, Toil and Trouble,” among others. This family-friendly event’s two performances always fill up, so plan on showing up early—and in costume! The 2009 Halloween concert—“Cosmic Adventures!” featuring Gustav Holsts’ magnificent seven-movement suite, The Planets, as well as Star Trek Through the Years, and music from John Williams’ Star Wars film scores—takes place on Saturday, October 31, 2009 at 7:00 and 9:00 pm in Mandel Hall. Suggested donation $8/$4 students. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

Handel’s Messiah

George Frideric Handel’s Messiah, as performed by the University of Chicago choirs, is a beloved Hyde Park holiday tradition. This annual performance of the majestic choral work, at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, is a lovely way to begin the winter season. A composition of poignant melodies and powerful harmonies, Messiah is a musical celebration of Christ’s birth and divinity, and an oratorio of resounding vocal beauty and grace. The 2009 performance, conducted by James Kallembach -- including the Grande Prairie Singers, Rockefeller Chapel Orchestra, soloists Hyun Suk Jang (soprano), Ann Vikstrom (alto), Andrew Schultze (bass), as well as special guest artists Trevor Mitchell (tenor), and an ANAPHORA Ensemble string quartet -- takes place on Friday, December 4, 2009 at 8:00 pm. Tickets go on sale Monday, November 23, 2009.

Gilbert and Sullivan

The Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Company and the Department of Music partner each spring to celebrate the legendary musicality and wit of W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan. Staging fully realized productions since 1960, the G&S Company is devoted to the promotion and performance of the musical arts and to the presentation of Gilbert and Sullivan's delightful operatic oeuvre. Featuring the Department’s own Chamber Orchestra, recent productions have included Iolanthe, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Yeomen of the Guard, and Ruddigore. The GSOC and Department of Music will present the comedy The Mikado March 12-14, 2010, to celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary.

Tomorrow's Music Today

Performance of works by young talent has always been an integral part of Contempo's mission. In these annual concerts, the finest young composers realize their musical vision through brilliant interactions with Contempo's world-class artists-in-residence. Tomorrow's Music Today 1, featuring works by Iddo Aharony, Shawn Brogan Allison, Eric Brinkmann, Francisco Castillo Trigueros, and Michael LaCroix, will take place on May 14, 2010 at 7:30 pm in Fulton Recital Hall. Tomorrow's Music Today 2, featuring dissertation compositions by Alex J. Berezowsky, Simon Fink, and April Mok, will take place on May 26, 2010 at 7:30 pm in Roosevelt University's Ganz Hall. Both concerts are free.

Cathy Heifetz Memorial Concert

This capstone event of the Music Department’s performance calendar is always grand in scope and thrilling both to perform and to hear. Recent programs for the Cathy Heifetz Memorial concerts have included Mahler’s Symphony No. 2, “Resurrection,” Walton’s “Belshazzar’s Feast,” Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, and Britten’s War Requiem. The 2010 Cathy Heifetz Memorial concert is TBA at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel.