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CSO MusicNOW: Common Ground
Nov 21, 2022 — 7:00 PM
Overview
Common Ground continues to highlight connections between the works of up-and-coming composers and their musical idols. Featured are two cutting-edge works and a world premiere by Xavier Foley that demonstrate his virtuosity — as well as his passion for solo works on the double bass — and two compositions for strings by American fiddle icon and composer Mark O’Connor. O’Connor’s String Quartet No. 3 fuses traditional old-time fiddling melodies with unique contemporary twists while his Strings and Threads Suite illustrates the interconnections between folk music styles hundreds of years apart.
Each ticket includes access to a postconcert party in the Rotunda at Symphony Center. MusicNOW is more than a concert; it’s an immersive evening of celebrating the arts and meeting new people. Following the concert, you’re invited to the Rotunda for an afterparty complete with photo opportunities, a gallery of artwork specially designed by local artist Donovan Foote to commemorate the 25th season of MusicNOW and more. Enjoy a selection of complimentary refreshments while you meet new friends and mingle with the artists at this new social arts event!
Share your MusicNOW experience! Use #MusicNOW and tag @chicagosymphony to join in the conversation.
Program
Foley
Irish Fantasy
Foley
Etude No. 10, The Dance
O’Connor
String Quartet No. 3
Foley
Good Times [World Premiere, CSO MusicNOW Commission]
O’Connor
Strings and Threads Suite
Traditional
College Hornpipe [Encore]
Traditional
Sweet Georgia Brown [Encore]
Performers
Sponsors & Partners
Major support for MusicNOW is generously provided by the Zell Family Foundation, the Sargent Family Foundation, the Sally Mead Hands Foundation, the Julian Family Foundation and The Aaron Copland Fund for Music.
Original Artwork by Donovan Foote
Commemorate the 25th season of CSO MusicNOW with limited-edition poster prints of the artwork designed for each concert by local artist Donovan Foote. Prints are available in multiple sizes, framed or unframed, and are shipped directly to your home. Available exclusively at symphonystore.com.
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Composer and cellist Xavier Foley encourages other budding musical talents to forget their doubts and forge ahead. “Don't worry about it, that is what I say.”
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Chicago-based artist Donovan Foote took on the ambitious task of translating the works performed on the 25th anniversary season of MusicNOW into poster designs. His limited-edition prints are available now.
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Add the role of memoirist to the long list of milestones achieved by violinist-composer Mark O’Connor. “The book is about my childhood years in music,” says O'Connor, who also has a new holiday single out Dec. 9.
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