Debussy Violin and Cello Sonatas

Following a tantalizing preview of the various ways the musicians conceptualize Debussy's music, it certainly was a treat to hear it brought to life last week. Our reception featured some tasty cream puffs and brie with crackers, but even as we ate our fill the anticipation for the music was palpable. With the support of the Consulate General of France and the local Francophone and Francophile communities, last week was another installment in a season that just keeps getting better and better!


Our musicians take some time away from performing to pose for the camera. From left to right, pianist (and RH Artistic Director) Deborah Sobol, cellist Brant Taylor, and violinist Bernard Zinck.


Michelle (left) came with her friend Angela, who had learned about RH from a co-worker who had a season brochure at work.


Friends Ruth (left) and Suzanne are veteran RH fans. Says Ruth of RH, "It's the best thing ever!"


Russ (left) and Cynthia came with their friend Sandee (right), a long-time RH volunteer.


Varun (left) and Ismat found out about the concert through the French Consulate and thought the Cathedral to be a truly beautiful space.

Music of Enriquez, Galindo, and Revueltas

Our journey surveying the classical music from international cultures made a stop in Mexico last week. Pieces for violin and piano from three 20th century Mexican composers -- some of the most contemporary music being performed at RH this season -- were presented alongside more traditional culinary fare, including wonderful cookies from Panaderia Nuevo Leon at 1634 W 18th St. This concert was presented in partnership with the Consulate General of Mexico, and we were thrilled to be able to offer this wonderful concert to our friends in the Mexican and Latino communities here in Chicago.


In rehearsal, some of the music was so fast that the hands of pianist May Phang and violinist Bernard Zinck were practically a blur. I can assure you that they didn't slow down for the actual performance later in the afternoon!


Crescencio (top) came with his family, including son Tzoalli, to explore music of their heritage. His wife had read about the concert in the Chicago Reader.


Pamela (left) and Angela had not met until they sat for this picture! Pamela is from Chicago, found out about RH from the newspaper, and enjoys music of different cultures. Angela is visiting from out-of-town and found out about the concert through Silk Road Chicago.


Dan (left) and Jean are visiting Chicago from California and were brought by a friend who is a long-time RH supporter -- so long that she can't even remember how she first found out about the concerts!


Angelica (left) was lured by the program featuring Mexican composers -- she is familiar with Revueltas' compositions. She brought Carlos with her to share the music.


Violinist Bernard Zinck and pianist May Phang (foreground) chat with admirers after the concert. One of the great things about RH is that you can chat with the musicians both before and after the concert to learn more about their perspective of the music.

Media Spotlight

In case you missed it, Time Out Chicago interviewed our Artistic Director Deborah Sobol about the vision behind Rush Hour Concerts for an article that ran at the beginning of the summer. This follows on the heels of a mention in last year's "Outsider Art" article that ran in early August (second-to-last paragraph, with a quote from Managing Director Julie Hutchison).

In the Love/Hate roundup found on the second page of the Arts section of last Thursday's issue of the Chicago Tribune (July 13) was a rave for RH: Jason McCabe of Chicago loves "listening to classical music every Tuesday at Rush Hour Concerts at St. James Cathedral [65 E. Huron St.]. The free 30-minute concerts start at 5:45 p.m. so I can stop by on my way home from work, and they even serve free drinks and snacks beforehand!" Thanks for the plug, Jason! Say hi to us hard-working staff next time you come!

Last week's issue of the Chicago Reader mentioned RH as part of their series focusing on free events around the city. Writer Megan Roberts appreciates that the scheduling of the reception and concert doesn't conflict with her dinner plans.

Earlier this summer, Chicagoist mentioned RH's involvement with the Silk Road Chicago program. Our musical caravan is far from over -- in addition to tomorrow's partnership with the French Consulate, July 25th's concert is in partnership with the Consulate General of the People's Republic of China, and the concert on August 29 -- this season's final concert -- is in partnership with the Consulate General of Germany.

Fourth of July Fireworks for Organ

Members of the American Guild of Organists joined the regular RH crowd and many newcomers for a rousing performance of patriotic songs and American favorites. What a wonderful way to celebrate our nation's birthday -- with great music, new friends, beautiful weather, and free food!

John and Cathy are enjoying their first-ever RH experience. They found out about the series through Sarah.

Here are just a few of the more than 5900 pipes that comprise the organ at St. James Cathedral. They were brought to life by Robert MacDonald, and the whole room shook with excitement!

While in Chicago to attend the organ convention, Noel (on the left) invited her sister Tara, who lives in Chicago, to the concert event. Tara, we hope to see you back!

Former staff organist for Radio City Music Hall Robert MacDonald is joined by Phil Bordeleau for a four-hand version of Sousa's The Stars and Stripes Forever.

Organist Robert MacDonald (on the left) greets audience members and fellow organ enthusiasts following the performance.

Songs from Great Britain

Last week's concert featured songs of Great Britain, composed by Henry Purcell, Gerald Finzi, Ralph Vaughn Williams, and Benjamin Britten. Keeping with the British theme, the reception featured dessert scones (sweetened for American palates), shortbread cookies, and fresh brewed (by yours truly!) iced tea.

From left to right, cellist Alicia Takushi, pianist Luciano Laurentiu, and baritone Levi Hernandez.

After a recent move from Washington, D.C., Veronica and Carlos are enjoying their second RH concert ever. They found out by walking past St. James, and enjoy the music in the historic Cathedral. Carlos says, "Music in a church is great!"

RH volunteer Jann adds pretzels to the plates already prepared with pastries, while RH staffer Andrew has decided that our patrons deserve more than one strawberry per plate and makes the necessary adjustments.

Kate, Mary, and Jan are RH veterans who initially found out about the concert through a friend and have been coming ever since. They enjoy the great music.