Check out which 26/27 shows our staff are most excited for in their dream flex packages!
Sarah Curran, Executive and Artistic Director
CSO Chamber Music - October
Immanuel Wilkins’ “Blues Blood”
“The Long Walk: 1,674 Days”
Growing up, my mother listened to an Irish radio program every Sunday, a window to home before the internet made the distance smaller. For me, the sound of traditional Irish music is inseparable from the smell of Sunday breakfast and the feeling of living between two worlds. Senses, memory, and community collapse into each other when food and music meet—here is my flex package of three concerts this season that explores exactly that.
In October, CSO musicians bring a program of "gastromusicology" to Mandel Hall, tracing the surprising intersections of food and music from Martinů to Brahms. In April, Immanuel Wilkins performs Blues Blood, his deeply personal meditation on childhood—evoking its sights, smells, and sounds through virtuosic saxophone improvisation. And Diné musician Delbert Anderson brings The Long Walk: 1,674 Days to Rockefeller Chapel: a ceremonial work of communal music-making and remembrance centered around a single note. The evening continues with a community gathering over food, sealing in the experience. I hope you'll join us for all three—and bring your appetite.
Sophia Janevic, Digital Communications Coordinator
Attacca Quartet with Caroline Shaw
Ruslan Talas, violin & Luigi Carroccia, piano
“Switched on Pop” with D-Composed
When I was in college, Attacca Quartet and Caroline Shaw's Orange album got me through many long nights of studying. The unexpected color changes and Ravel-inspired fragments make this one of my favorite contemporary albums, and it will be a treat to hear Attacca and Shaw collaborate live. As a violinist, I'm also looking forward to Ruslan Talas and Luigi Carroccia's program, particularly the Franck Violin Sonata—I played the Franck at my first ever solo recital, and its lush melodies have held a special place in my heart ever since. The event I'm perhaps most looking forward to is Switched on Pop with D-Composed. I was introduced to the Switched on Pop podcast by my college musicology professor, and as a huge pop music fan and concertgoer, it is my go-to source for learning more about my favorite music. D-Composed are the perfect musical guests for the podcast—I heard them open for an indie artist at Auditorium Theatre in January, and they are definitely experts in blending pop and classical worlds.
Alexandra Kunath, Associate Director of Marketing
VOCES8
Attacca Quartet with Caroline Shaw
Le Concert de l’Hostel Dieu
Terence Blanchard featuring The E-Collective
VOCES8 leads my dream Flex Pass—perfect, since they open the season at Rockefeller Chapel. I’ve been obsessed with them since hearing their Ubi Caritas in college, and that space is basically built for their sound. Next up: Attacca + Caroline Shaw. Their two albums together are contemporary classical at its best—accessible, tuneful, and adventurous—and I can’t wait to hear their collaboration unfold live. My third pick is Le Concert de l’Hostel Dieu. I didn’t know them before we announced the season, but their Hamlet‑themed program grabbed me immediately. After a deep YouTube dive, I’m even more excited. And finally, Terence Blanchard featuring The E‑Collective. He’s a legend across genres, and having him play two Jazz@Logan shows feels like a real gift.
Claire Snarski, Senior Graphic Designer
Jackie Venson
Grossman Ensemble - “100 Journeys”
CelloGayageum
Blues@Logan has exposed me to some incredible blues musicians over the past few years, and when Jackie Venson was announced on our season, I put on her catalogue of music and was instantly hooked – “Keep On” has turned into my song of the summer. This season, the Grossman Ensemble is celebrating 100 world premieres since the ensemble’s formation in 2018. Find me at the concert after party and let’s connect about your favorite pieces, composers, and experiences you’ve had during the ensemble’s tenure at UChicago. I am also excited to hear the Korean gayageum paired with the cello in CelloGayageum radiate through the hall at the Logan Center this November., blending music traditions from the East and West. I am always interested in experiencing a new (to me!) musical sound live.
Jessica Wolfe, Senior Director of Production and Education
Craig Taborn Trio
Endea Owens & The Cookout
Paul Jacobs, organ
I’m excited to see both new and familiar faces at UChicago Presents this season. Craig Taborn is one of the first artists I worked with when I joined UCP. His duo concert with Kris Davis in 2019 was unforgettable, and I’m thrilled to see him return as the Don Michael Randel Ensemble-in-Residence and hear what new sounds he’ll bring. As a bassist, I’m especially looking forward to seeing Endea Owens & The Cookout for the first time this winter—she plays with such joy and energy, and her music is vibrant and full of life. Paul Jacobs returns to Rockefeller Chapel; his performance in 2022 was impressive, and I can’t wait to hear him on the Skinner organ again this season.