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.

University of Illinois at Chicago

The Green Mill Lounge

Yes. by Heidi Joosten Commissioned by the BBE for Chicago Stories: Book One (bbexperience.org/chicagostories) "The women in power that I spoke to were amazingly inspirational, but both of them work in fields where their progress has (or has had) the opportunity to be stalled by...

Yes.

by Heidi Joosten

"Iman" from "Two Assyrian Songs" by Eric Malmquist Commissioned by the BBE for Chicago Stories: Book One (bbexperience.org/chicagostories) "Two Assyrian Songs," by Eric Malmquist, conveys the experiences of two Assyrian immigrants that found refuge in Rogers Park and Lincolnwood. Each song is named after the person who offered their story.

Iman

by Eric Malmquist

"Solo!" by Amos Gillespie Commissioned by the BBE for Chicago Stories: Book One "Solo!" reflects part of Amos Gillespie's shared history with the Alvarez Brothers and their Latin Jazz Big Band Orchestra. Having played saxophone in their ensemble for over 12 years, Amos has witnessed first hand a rich cultural and musical heritage struggling to stay alive in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood.

Solo!

by Amos Gillespie

Composers and Performers

Amos Gillespie

Heidi Joosten

Eric Malmquist

Thomas

Bill

Brandi

Leighann

Sung

Alexandra

Laura

David

Anna

Paul

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

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