Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center to Perform Bach Brandenburg Concertos at Harris Theater, 12/18

Entering its third year of residency, The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (CMS) returns to the Harris Theater for the first of three performances in the Michael Hill Series during the Theater's milestone 10th season, beginning with the Bach Brandenburg Concertos on Wednesday, December 18 at 7:30 pm. The Wednesday night engagement marks the first time that CMS will perform the popular Brandenburg Concertos for an audience outside of New York and New Jersey - the start of a new annual holiday tradition at the Harris. The concerti, performed annually in New York to sold-out audiences, have become a staple of CMS' holiday programming.

"When we heard the Harris Theater was looking for a special way to commemorate its 10th anniversary, we couldn't think of anything more celebratory than sharing CMS' annual tradition of performing all of Bach's Brandenburg Concertos on one program with our Chicago audience," said CMS Co-Artistic Directors David Finckel and Wu Han. "These six concerti contain some of the most colorful and festive music in the repertoire, and we are thrilled to bring them to Chicago."

The Bach Brandenburg Concertos program will also feature special guest Joseph Lin, first violinist of the prestigious Juilliard String Quartet and winner of the First Prize at the inaugural Michael Hill International Violin Competition in New Zealand. Founded in 2001, the biennial competition has launched the careers of seven world-class talents - including Lin - each of whom is enjoying a rewarding career. The New York Times has lauded Lin as "a sensitive, passionate player with a glowing tone" and described his sound as "warm, flexible and perfectly centered." In 2011, Lin joined the Juilliard String Quartet after an extensive search process for a new musician. Lin performs with the Chamber Music Society as part of its first Harris appearance of the season.

"The partnership between the Harris Theater and the Chamber Music Society has afforded many great opportunities for Chicago and our Competition winners," said Sir Michael Hill, chairman of Michael Hill International and founder of the Michael Hill International Violin Competition. "Over the last few years, we've been able to pair talented young musicians with one of the world's great arts organizations, furthering our goal of fostering the careers of the next generation of classical music stars. It's been a win-win for all involved."

Since its inaugural performance at the Harris, the Chamber Music Society has performed to critical acclaim. In a review of the all-Britten concert this past May, the Chicago Tribune described it as "performed with all the vitality, incisive attention to detail and spontaneity one has come to associate with the Chamber Music Society brand."

"The Harris Theater's first artistic residency has been a triumph, thanks to the wonderful relationship we've established with The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center," said Michael Tiknis, the Harris Theater's Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols President and Managing Director Endowed Chair. "The talent, grace and virtuosity of these musicians have been wonderful additions to the great classical offerings that Chicago presents each year. We look forward to expanding this relationship moving forward."

The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Michael Hill Series program on December 18, 2013 will feature:

Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 2 in F major, BWV 1047 (1720)
Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 in D major, BWV 1050 (1720)
Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 in G major, BWV 1048 (1720)
Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 1 in F major, BWV 1046 (1720)
Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 6 in B-flat major, BWV 1051 (1720)
Bach Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G major, BWV 1049 (1720)

The concert will be performed by:
Pedja Muzijevic, Harpsichord
Jorja Fleezanis, Violin
Joseph Lin, Violin
Alexander Sitkovetsky, Violin
Daniel Phillips, Violin/Viola
Paul Neubauer, Viola
Cynthia Phelps, Viola
Daniel McDonough, Cello
Li-Wei Qin, Cello
Fred Sherry, Cello
Kurt Muroki, Double Bass
Tara Helen O'Connor, Flute
Ransom Wilson, Flute
Randall Ellis, Oboe
James Austin Smith, Oboe
Stephen Taylor, Oboe
Peter Kolkay, Bassoon
Julia Pilant, Horn
Stewart Rose, Horn
David Washburn, Trumpet

The CMS 2013-2014 season at the Harris also includes French Revelations, a program of innovative French music of the 20th century characterized as "faire plaisir" ("giving pleasure"). Finckel and Han describe the program as "a true delicacy." CMS closes out its Harris residency on April 29, 2014 with Beethoven's complete Cello Sonatas.

The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Michael Hill Series is made possible in part by Michael Hill International, presenting sponsor.

Tickets for the Brandenburg Concertos are $30 - $50, available online at HarrisTheaterChicago.org, or by calling the Harris Theater Box Office at 312-334-7777.