April 22, 2011– New Music School (NMS) of Chicago is launching the new STIM.U.LI Music Series in May 2011 with an exciting preview of STIM.U.LI.’s performances featuring internationally renowned musicians. Three days of concerts will include 9-year-old pianist and composer Emily Bear, Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s (CSO) Principal Keyboardist Mary Sauer, and acclaimed pianists Jeffrey Panko and Susan Merdinger. For ticket prices and information on all STIM.U.LI. Performances please visit www.stimuliseries.com or call 312-985-1995.
The NMS STIM.U.LI Music Series is a dynamic entrant into the Chicago arts scene. Across five distinct series, STIM.U.LI will feature established and amateur musicians from classical to jazz and avant-garde. Events will be tailored to audiences from traditional patrons to students and families.
STIM.U.LI programs include: The Augusta Read Thomas ART New Music Series (a set of avant-garde performances directed by acclaimed composer Augusta Read Thomas), NMS Presents (recitals with NMS and CSO faculty), a Chamber Recital Series, a Family Series, and the NMS Young Artists Series (featuring young artists from the Chicagoland area).
“STIM.U.LI is a performance series designed to fill the critical gap between the studio and the concert hall,” explains Francisco Ybarra, Executive Director of NMS. “Which means opening up established artists as well as young and upcoming musicians to the broader Chicago area community. There is a wealth of remarkable musical talent in this region that we will celebrate through a series of engaging and accessible performances.”
On May 15, 2011, STIM.U.LI will kick off with two performances by Rockford’s Emily Bear, the 9-year-old internationally acclaimed pianist and composer. The solo concerts will include a mix of classical, jazz, and her original compositions. A children’s concert at 11a.m. will be followed by a traditional concert at 1 p.m. Performances will be held at the Joffrey Ballet, 8 E. Randolph Street. Ticket prices are $25 for the 11 a.m. concert and $35 adults/ $25 students for the 1 p.m. concert. Family pack and college student tickets are available at a reduced price.
On May 16, 2011 @ 7:30 pm, Mary Sauer, Principal Keyboardist for the CSO, Jeffrey Panko, award-winning classical pianist, and the NMS Piano Trio will perform Schubert, Brahms and Shostakovich. The performance will be held at the Fine Arts Building, 410 S. Michigan Ave, Rm. 307. Ticket prices are $35 for adults, $25 for students. Family pack and college student tickets are available at a reduced price
On May 21, 2011 @ 530 pm, Susan Merdinger, distinguished pianist recognized throughout the U.S and Europe, will give a solo recital including works by Beethoven, Schumann, Liszt, Debussy, and Chicago composer Elbio Barilari. The performance will be held at New Music School, 310 S Michigan Avenue. Family pack and college student tickets are available at a reduced price.
NMS is a curriculum-based, private lesson music school in Chicago serving more than 250 private students. The program is overseen and taught by Chicago Symphony Orchestra musicians, renowned collegiate professors, and other world-class faculty. Lessons are offered in all orchestral and band instruments, piano, and guitar from beginner to college prep and adult study. For more information visit www.newmusicschool.com.
jeff panko [series director]