Chicago Shakespeare Theatre's Classical Idol! Returns Jan. 19 & 20

Chicago Shakespeare Theater (CST) announces its sixth annual collaboration with The Chicago Chamber Musicians (CCM) on a program for young audiences and their families. Classical Idol!, an interactive concert that features three, instrumentally distinct chamber music ensembles-each competing for audience applause-gives children ages four and up the opportunity to discover up close the excitement of live performance. The hour-long interactive concerts are today and Sunday, January 20, 2008 at 10:00 and 11:30 a.m. at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier. At 11:00 a.m. on both days, performers will be available for autographs and pictures in the Theater's lobby, while young musicians demonstrate and answer questions about the featured instruments.

Classical Idol! is designed to be an entertaining introduction for young audiences to the "personalities" of different classical instrument families. Bill Larkin, who originated the role of Vice Principal Douglas Panch in Chicago's premiere of The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, hosts the Classical Idol! contest.

The three featured ensembles include: "The Stylish Strings"-CCM ensemble artists and Family Concert favorites Jasmine Lin, violin; Rami Solomonow, viola; Clancy Newman, cello, and a yet to be determined violinist;  "The Brilliant Brass Quintet," including two trumpets, a horn, trombone and tuba, performed by CINCO-currently in residence with Jane Addams Hull House and the first ensemble chosen to participate in CCM's Professional Development Program; and "The Whimsical Wind Quintet," including a flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and horn, performed by Quintet Attacca-the 2002 Grand Prize-winner of the Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and current ensemble-in-residence of CCM's two-year Professional Development Program. The strings will perform music from Czechoslovakia (Dvorak) and France (Debussy), the brass will perform music from Italy (Gabrieli) and Poland (Lutoslawski) and the woodwinds will play works from Mexico (Marquez) and Argentina (Piazzolla). CCM ensemble artist and Chicago Symphony Orchestra Bassoonist Dennis Michel will also appear as a befuddled bassoon unsure to which family he belongs.

Classical Idol! is recommended for children age four and up. Performances are Saturday, January 19 and Sunday, January 20, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for students (ages 12 and younger). For further information and to purchase tickets, call the Chicago Shakespeare Theater Box Office at 312.595.5600 or visit the Theater's website at www.chicagoshakes.com.