Chicago Stories: Book One
For the first Chicago Stories program (2017), the BBE commissioned new works from three Chicago composers for eight instrumentalists and two singers. Amos Gillespie explored the contributions of the Alvarez Brothers to the Pilsen Latin jazz scene. Heidi Joosten scaled the wall with an inspiring group of minority women and watched as they crushed glass ceilings. Eric Malmquist journeyed with members of the Assyrian immigrant community who found refuge in Rogers Park and Lincolnwood. Performances included debuts at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the iconic Green Mill Lounge.
Yes.
by Heidi Joosten
Iman
by Eric Malmquist
Solo!
by Amos Gillespie
Composers and Performers
Chicago STories Blogs
Brandi Berry Benson
CONTRIBUTING BLOGGER
Violinist Brandi Berry is the Artistic Director and founder of the BBE. She has performed as a featured soloist, concertmaster, and ensemble member of early music groups around the United States, as well as on prominent concert series, television, and radio. She is on the faculty at DePaul University where she co-directs the Baroque Ensemble and teaches classes on ornamentation, as well as the Old Town School of Folk Music. She holds degrees from Indiana University and the University of North Texas.
More info at: bbexperience.org/brandi
Everyone has one and uses it, but there are few who can *really* make it sing. Join us as we ask Alexandra Olsavsky and Thomas Alaan what it takes to be a singer.