Classical Conversations

“the region’s premier ensemble” — Chicago Tribune

Unwind after work with the Chicago Chamber Musicians at the Mayne Stage! Mingle with other concert goers and enjoy drinks before, during, or after the concert. You’ll be part of a lively, engaging conversation with the artists hosted by some of the top music figures in the industry before each concert. Plus, these concerts are only one hour and start early, so you’ll be on your way home in time for dinner. Or, stay and enjoy dinner after the concert at Mayne Stage’s pub, Act One.

Dana Wilson Fanfare for two trumpets and piano
James Stephenson Vignettes for trumpet and percussion
Ravel Pavane pour une infante défunte (Pavane for a Dead Princess)
Bizet/Hunsberger Carmen Fantasia

Chicago native James Stephenson’s works have been performed by leading American orchestras and hailed by critics as having “straightforward, unabashedly beautiful sounds,” by the Boston Herald. Vignettes is a charming piece that pairs the trumpet with a single percussion instrument in each movement. Carmen Fantasia, a beautiful setting that utilizes melodies from Georges Bizet’s opera Carmen that you’ll be humming long after the concert ends, was arranged especially for Barbara Butler and Charles Geyer.

CCM artists Barbara Butler, Charles Geyer trumpets and Meng-Chieh Liu piano
Guest artists Fred Selvaggio, Blaine Inafuku percussion
Host: James Stephenson

Chicago-area composer James Stephenson’s works have been performed by leading American orchestras and hailed by critics as having “straightforward, unabashedly beautiful sounds.” (Boston Herald). Recent collaborations include a concerto for Branford Marsalis with Rodney Mack; an exuberant fanfare for the Houston Symphony; and a concerto for the Philadelphia Orchestra’s principal trombonist, Nitzan Haroz. The 2011-2012 season will see the premiere of two new violin concertos, to be performed by the Minnesota Orchestra and the Rhode Island Philharmonic. Stephenson is also active in the concert band world, with premieres occurring at major venues such as the 2010 Midwest Clinic, and the 2011 ABA (American Bandmasters Association) convention with the US “President’s Own” Marine Band. His landmark educational work, Compose Yourself!, has now been performed over 200 times since its creation in 2002, and will see performances by four Chicago-land orchestras this season. Also active as a highly sought-after arranger, Stephenson's arrangements have been performed/recorded/broadcast by virtually every major orchestra in the country, including the Boston Pops, Cincinnati Pops, NY Pops and more.