The Winter Chamber Music Festival is set to return for its 28th year at Northwestern University's Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music. This year's festival, running from January 10 through January 26, will feature seven concerts showcasing renowned chamber ensembles performing both classical and contemporary pieces.
Among the highlights is the Quartet-in-Residence, the Dover Quartet, which will perform on January 10. Their program includes works by American Indian composer Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate, a Bienen alumnus. On January 11, the Grammy-winning Third Coast Percussion ensemble will take the stage.
This year introduces three new groups to the series: Trio Valtorna, Norway’s Vertavo String Quartet, and the award-winning Viano Quartet. The festival is directed by Blair Milton, an associate professor at Bienen and former Chicago Symphony Orchestra violinist who founded the event. All performances are scheduled at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall on Northwestern's Evanston campus.
Tickets for the festival can be purchased by phone, online, or in person at Pick-Staiger Concert Hall during ticket office hours. Media interested in covering the event should contact Stephen Lewis via email to request tickets in advance.
The full program lineup includes:
- Dover Quartet on Friday, Jan. 10
- Third Coast Percussion with Jessie Montgomery on Saturday, Jan. 11
- Trio Valtorna on Sunday, Jan. 12
- Vertavo String Quartet on Friday, Jan. 17
- Viano Quartet on Sunday, Jan. 19
- Dudok Quartet Amsterdam on Friday, Jan. 24
- Miró Quartet on Sunday, Jan. 26
Each ensemble brings a unique repertoire featuring composers ranging from Ludwig van Beethoven to contemporary artists like Jessie Montgomery and Bushra El-Turk.