The Chicago Ensemble presents the final program in the group’s series of chamber music concerts! The Chicago Ensemble, in its 37th season, appears in different combinations of instruments and voice. The group is known for its intriguing, highly diversified repertoire, as this concert program illustrates.

Michelle Areyzaga, soprano, much acclaimed for the beauty of her singing, rejoins the Ensemble for the June program along with Ricardo Castañeda, oboe, Mathias Tacke, violin, and the Ensemble’s artistic director and pianist, Gerald Rizzer. Ms. Areyzaga will be heard first in a spirited Bach cantata aria in which both violin and oboe share the obbligato lines. An extended virtuosic aria by Mozart will also be heard, written for the Vienna revival of his opera Idomineo. In this aria, a violin obbligato shares the spotlight with the soprano. The early 20th century English composer Vaughan Williams set poems by the poet Blake for soprano and oboe and poems by A . E. Housman for soprano and violin. Selections from these two song cycles, influenced by English folk songs, will be performed. Finally Ms. Areyzaga, accompanied by Mr. Rizzer, will present a group of some of the best-known of Brahms’ beautiful lieder.

Two instrumental sonatas will also be featured in this program: the delightful violin and piano sonata by Mozart in A Major, K. 526, a masterpiece which makes considerable demands on the performers; and the oboe and piano sonata by Poulenc, dating from 1962, shortly before the composer’s death, in which music of great poignancy alternates with lively, light-hearted music.

A complimentary reception precedes the program. This event is open to the public. Tickets are $25 single admission, $10 for students, and free for I-House residents. Contact The Chicago Ensemble at (773) 558-3448 or at www.thechicagoensemble.org.  Arrive early to enjoy a reception with the musicians at 2:30PM.

Presented by the Global Voices Performing Arts Series and the Chicago Ensemble.  For more than 30 years, The Chicago Ensemble has brought a fascinating array of chamber works to Chicago audiences. Offering an innovative mix of familiar masterworks and lesser-known repertoire, performed in varied combinations of instruments and voice, The Chicago Ensemble occupies a unique place in Chicago’s cultural life. Outstanding musicians from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Lyric Opera Orchestra, Chicago Sinfonietta and other distinguished area organizations come together in The Chicago Ensemble under the leadership of Gerald Rizzer, Artistic Director and pianist. Through the Discover America competition for new chamber works, The Chicago Ensemble introduces Chicago audiences to innovative works by contemporary composers.