In honor of Women’s History Month, Dissidents of the Gilded Age honors the women composers of this era who stood as beacons of strength and accomplishment in their lives as musicians and activists. These composers’ music disturbed the social, political, and musical expectations imposed on them by society. “Salon music” was thought of as light entertainment, suited for fairer ears. However, the music is anything but light entertainment, and deserves its time in the spotlight. Dissidents of the Gilded Age is a project many years in the making, and strives to showcase women composers who are still under-performed and under-published. The program will include works by Cecile Chaminade, Dame Ethel Smyth, and Amy Beach.

Duo FAE was founded in 2012 by violinist Charlene Kluegel, and pianist Katherine Petersen, who had met at the Aspen Music Festival several years earlier. FAE stands for “Frei Aber Einsam” or “Free but Lonely,” the motto of pianist-composer Johannes Brahms, and violinist Joseph Joachim. Duo FAE’s playing has been described by the New York Classical Review as wielding “considerable power” and “precise phrasing.”

The concert will last approximately one hour and will be followed by a reception where guests will have an opportunity to meet the artists.

FREE EVENT!

Everyone has a story to tell. What if you could share your story and watch it come to life before your eyes? Join us for "Stories Connect Us," a cross-community story-sharing event, currently touring with The Connecting Routes Project. Attend a performance of storytelling and improvisational theater featuring your true stories of building community, connection and solidarity interpreted onstage by the Chicago Playback Theatre Ensemble. The performance begins at 7:00pm and is approximately 90 minutes long.

Doors will open at 6:00pm for pre-show activities, a recording station, and free mini-tours of Glessner House. Following the performance, the storytelling continues through recording stations, written prompts, and interactive activities.

This program of solo piano music will be performed by Vincent Ip on Frances Glessner’s 1887 Steinway Model C “semi-concert” grand piano. Selections range from pieces by Chopin and John Field - composers that Frances Glessner herself played - to work by Rameau, Mompou, and Ginastera, along with a piano transcription of Shostakovich’s Waltz No. 2.

Born and raised in New York City, Vincent Ip completed his Doctor of Musical Arts degree with Program Honors at Northwestern University, studying under James Giles. He has been recognized with numerous prizes at prestigious competitions, including a Medal of Honor at the Maria Canals International Piano Competition in Barcelona, Spain. Vincent runs a private teaching studio, is a faculty member at Northwestern University, and maintains an active performing career.

The concert will last approximately one hour and will be followed by a reception where guests will have an opportunity to meet the artist.

Inspired by the elegance of the Belle Époque, this recital brings to life the refined world of French art song at the turn of the 20th century. Music by Fauré, Debussy, Ravel, and their contemporaries reflects a time of extraordinary artistic cross-pollination, where poetry and music merged to create works of shimmering beauty and emotional intimacy - perfectly suited to an intimate salon setting. The performance features Andrea Baker, soprano, and Evan Bravos, baritone, accompanied by pianist Nicholas Pothier.

The concert will last approximately one hour and will be followed by a reception where guests will have an opportunity to meet the artists.