UCP History
One of Chicago's oldest and most distinguished concert series, the University of Chicago Presents' Classic Concert Series (formerly the Chamber Music Series) was founded in 1943 with the goal of bringing to Chicago world-renowned artists for concerts and educational programs that would attract audiences from all parts of Chicago and its surrounding suburbs. Early performers in the series included Igor Stravinsky, Artur Schnabel, Isaac Stern, Arnold Schoenberg, and the Budapest Quartet, who performed, offered public master classes, and spoke about music and composition. In the 1960s, the series came under the stewardship of the Department of Music, where it still resides. Since that time, the series has hosted the Chicago debuts of such artists as singers Ian Bostridge, Cecilia Bartoli, and David Daniels, the artistic collaboration between the Emerson and St. Lawrence String quartets, violinist Hilary Hahn, and the Brentano String Quartet.Today, the Classic Concert Series presents a diversity of ensembles and composers representing the Classical period through the end of the 20th century. The series presents Chicago debut performances by outstanding ensembles and musicians from around the world and unusual programs of works not often heard in the city. Whenever possible, the series includes performances by Chicago musicians as guest artists, and performances of works by Chicago composers.
The Howard Mayer Brown International Early Music Series (EMS) was founded in 1981 by Brown (1930-1993), the University's celebrated Renaissance scholar, in response to public interest in period music performances by internationally known ensembles. The EMS brings to Chicago acclaimed artists from around the world who would otherwise be known only to local audiences through recordings. As part of its educational aspirations, the EMS seeks to perform one medieval, one Renaissance, and one Baroque concert each season, performed by ensembles dedicated to historical performance practice. Concerts often include free pre-concert talks for audiences. The EMS has recently presented Holland's Amsterdam Baroque Orchestra, England's Tallis Scholars, France's Les Arts Florissants, and Russia's renowned violinist Viktoria Mullova. Because of its important role in the cultural life of Chicago and its surrounding region, the EMS attracts audience members from five states, including Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Michigan.
The Artist-in-Residence Series, added in 2003-2004, features 2009 Grammy Award winners, the Pacifica Quartet. Named Musical America's 2009 Ensemble of the Year, Pacifica is comprised of four young Illinois artists who have won numerous prizes, including Chamber Music America's prestigious Cleveland Quartet Award. As of the 2005/2006 season The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra began a three-year residency at the University, which encompasses performances in Mandel Hall, educational outreach work in five local schools through their CONNECT (Chamber Orchestra Neighborhood Network of Education, Curriculum, and Teachers) program, readings of the University's graduate student compositions, and student coaching and master classes. The success of the residency has led to its renewal through 2011.
As of the 2007/2008 season Contempo, the University's ensemble dedicated to the performance of new music, came under the umbrella of UCP. Founded in 1964 by Ralph Shapey and currently under the artistic direction of Shulamit Ran, the five-concert series seeks to create new kinds of consciousnesses, identities, and attachments to contemporary classical music, especially for young people. Its core members include the Pacifica Quartet and 2008 Grammy award-winners, eighth blackbird.
The Regents Park Discovery Concert is a chance for the series to thank its longtime subscribers by offering the concert free to subscribers. In partnership with a local corporation, it also creates a place for artists at the beginning of their careers to make a Chicago debut. The concert reaches out to the local community by involving the artists in outreach to the local elementary schools and offering single tickets at a fraction of regular ticket prices.