Ursa Ensemble

Suggested Donation: $10

Program:
Quartet for the End of Time ~ Olivier Messiaen
I. Liturgie de cristal
II. Vocalise, pour l’Ange qui annonce la fin du Temps
III. Abîme des oiseaux
IV. Intermède
V. Louange à l’Éternité de Jésus
VI. Danse de la fureur, pour les sept trompettes
VII. Fouillis d’arcs-en-ciel, pour l’Ange qui annonce la fin du Temps
VIII. Louange à l’Immortalité de Jésus

Quintet in A minor for Piano and String Quartet, Op. 84 ~ Edward Elgar
I. Moderato-Allegro
II. Adagio
III. Andante-Allegro

Joseph Sanchez, Clarinet; Jonathan Hannau, Piano; Rachel Brown, Violin; Nicholas Jefferey, Viola; Veronica Nettles, Cello

Biography:
The Ursa Ensemble is a Chicago based Chamber group that seeks to present uncommon music to our audiences in unique ways, in unconventional places, and with individual interpretations. The Ursa ensemble is currently in its second official season, and has performed at a variety of locations across the Midwest, including Constellation Chicago, Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, DePaul University School of Music, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, the DANK Haus, Tavern of Fine Arts, The Musical Offering, and the Ravenswood Fellowship United Methodist Church.
The Ursa Ensemble consists of some of the best young musicians in the Chicago area, all of whom are dedicated performers and artist-teachers. Clarinetist Joe Sanchez just accepted a position as Alternate Bass Clarinet with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Pianist Jonathan Hannau is also an accomplished composer, who recently won DePaul University’s distinguished Kleinman Award in Composition. Violinist Rachel Brown is the Associate Principal Second Violin of the South Bend Symphony Orchestra, and teaches violin lessons and chamber music at the Chicago Academy for the Arts. Violist Nicholas Jeffery holds the Principal Violist position with the Illinois Symphony Orchestra, and maintains a private studio in addition to teaching at the Chicago Academy for the Arts. Cellist Veronica Nettles focuses on performance in classical chamber music and world music collaborations as well as maintaining a private studio at DePaul University Community Music Division.