Freshening Chicago early-music scene, native son leads vocal quintet His Majestie’s Clerkes

Preview: Resounding at sunset in the shadow of Chicago’s Magnificent Mile, a new all-male vocal ensemble called His Majestie’s Clerkes is making its debut at St. John’s Cantius as part of Chicago’s rapidly expanding early music scene.

‘Constellations’ at Steppenwolf: Of relativity, and the infinite outcomes of boy meets girl

Review: Life isn’t like a box of chocolates. It’s more like a roll of the dice, suggests playwright Nick Payne in his touching romance “Constellations,” now on crisp and credible view at Steppenwolf Theatre. In fact, viewed on the space-time continuum, the possibilities of life and love might be as variable as infinite throws of those ivory cubes. ★★★★

Hottest ticket in Chicago – ‘Hamilton’ single tickets to go onsale at last

This Just In: The following is a news release written by an arts organization, submitted to Chicago On the Aisle.
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“HAMILTON” SINGLE TICKETS GO ON SALE TO THE PUBLIC TUESDAY, JUNE 21 

PERFORMANCES BEGIN SEPTEMBER 27 AT THE PRIVATEBANK THEATRE Details …

Available June 10 for download – Mason Bates’ ‘Anthology of Fantastic Zoology,’ Riccardo Muti conducting, on CSO Resound

This Just In: The following is a news release written by an arts organization, submitted to Chicago On the Aisle.
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The next CSO Resound recording, “Mason Bates: Anthology of Fantastic Zoology,” is available through download and streaming services beginning Friday, June 10. The recording features former CSO Mead Composer-in-Residence Mason Bates’ “Anthology of Fantastic Zoology,” which was a CSO commission and received its world premiere in Chicago under the baton of Music Director Riccardo Muti during his June 2015 residency.

Chicago Sinfonietta scores two more seasons with music director Mei-Ann Chen thru 2018-19

This Just In: The following is a news release written by an arts organization, submitted to Chicago On the Aisle.
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CHICAGO SINFONIETTA SCORES TWO ADDITIONAL SEASONS WITH MUSIC DIRECTOR MEI-ANN CHEN

CHICAGO (May 18, 2016)—Chicago Sinfonietta, the nation’s most diverse orchestra dedicated to pushing artistic boundaries, is proud to announce Music Director Mei-Ann Chen will continue leading the orchestra through its 2018-2019 Season, adding two years to her current contract and insuring her place on the podium for the upcoming 30th Anniversary season, 2017-2018. Chen will continue to conduct four out of five subscription concerts each season, as well as special added concerts. Recently named among Music America’s 2015 Top 30 Influencers, she has …

Muti to lead CSO Europe tour in January 2017; stops include new Hamburg hall, historic La Scala

This Just In: The following is a news release written by an arts organization, submitted to Chicago On the Aisle.
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Stops include grand opening week of Hamburg’s state-of-the art Elbphilharmonie and CSO’s first visit to Milan’s La Scala since 1981. More …

Cuban vocal legend Omara Portuondo to open 2016-17 Jazz at Symphony Center; full details

This Just In: The following is a news release written by an arts organization, submitted to Chicago On the Aisle.
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SYMPHONY CENTER PRESENTS JAZZ SERIES 2016/17 PROGRAMS ANNOUNCED
Legendary Cuban Vocalist Omara Portuondo Opens 16/17 Series
New Orleans …

Court 2016-17 brings world premiere of ‘Man in the Ring’ and new Stoppard for Chicago

This Just In: The following is a news release written by an arts organization, submitted to Chicago On the Aisle.
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COURT THEATRE ANNOUNCES 62nd SEASON
COURT THEATRE’S 2016/17 SEASON WILL FEATURE THE WORLD PREMIERE OF MICHAEL CRISTOFER’S …

Joffrey’s ‘Nutcracker’ to gird Christopher Wheeldon with Broadway-savvy team

This Just In: The following is a news release written by an arts organization, submitted to Chicago On the Aisle.
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THE JOFFREY BALLET ANNOUNCES AWARD-WINNING ARTISTIC TEAM FOR THE WORLD PREMIERE OF CHRISTOPHER WHEELDON’S THE NUTCRACKER
Artistic …

April highlights around Shakespeare’s birthday and anniversary of his death April 23

This Just In: The following is a news release written by an arts organization, submitted to Chicago On the Aisle.
Chicago–March 24, 2016–All eyes are on Shakespeare in 2016 as the world celebrates 400 years of …

Chicago Shakes announces ‘Shakespeare in Love’ and lots more of the bard in 2016-17

This Just In: The following is a news release written by an arts organization, submitted to Chicago On the Aisle.
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CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER ANNOUNCES 2016-17 30TH ANNIVERSARY SEASON
Chicago—April 7, 2016—On the heels of announcing the Theater’s …

Minnesota Orchestra, led by Osmo Vänskä, to embark on four-country Europe tour in August

This Just In: The following is a news release written by an arts organization, submitted to Chicago On the Aisle.

MINNESOTA ORCHESTRA EMBARKS ON FOUR-COUNTRY EUROPEAN TOUR, AUGUST 18-27
Led by Music Director Osmo Vänskä, the Minnesota Orchestra …

Tenor Javier Camarena gives a debut of note, make that a generous bouquet of high C’s

Review: He premiered in 2004 at the Palacio de Bellas Artes in his native Mexico, popping off Tonio’s nine high C’s in Donizetti’s “La fille du régiment.” Ten years later, onstage at the Met in Rossini’s “Cenerentola,” he rocked as the third singer since 1942 to be granted an encore. Thus Javier Camarena’s appearance at the Harris Theater was hotly anticipated.

World premieres by Jeffrey Mumford, Kahil El’Zabar set in Fulcrum Point ‘Proclamation!’

This Just In: The following is a news release written by an arts organization, submitted to Chicago On the Aisle.
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FULCRUM POINT CELEBRATES AFRICAN-AMERICAN ARTISTS WITH PROCLAMATION! THE BLACK COMPOSER SPEAKS AT PROMONTORY, IN ONE PERFORMANCE …

In 2016-17, TimeLine plans Midwest premiere of ‘Paradise Blue’ by Dominique Morisseau

This Just In: The following is a news release written by an arts organization, submitted to Chicago On the Aisle.
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TIMELINE THEATRE COMPANY ANNOUNCES 20TH ANNIVERSARY 2016-17 SEASON
Chicago, IL — TimeLine Theatre Company, recipient of the prestigious …

World premiere comedy by Tracy Letts among new works in Steppenwolf’s 2016-17 season

This Just In: The following is a news release written by an arts organization, submitted to Chicago On the Aisle.
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STEPPENWOLF THEATRE COMPANY ANNOUNCES 2016/17 SEASON
First Season Curated by Artistic Director Anna D. Shapiro Features Expanded …

Writers Theatre announces plans for 2016-17 – company’s first full season in new Studio Gang home

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Writers Theatre announces 25th Anniversary Season — the company’s first full season in its new home …

Conductor Delta David Gier to step in for John Nelson March 11 at Chicago Bach Project

This Just In: The following is a news release written by an arts organization, submitted to Chicago On the Aisle.
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MAESTRO JOHN NELSON IS SUFFERING FROM PNEUMONIA, AND THIS PHYSICIANS HAVE ADVISED AGAINST AIR TRAVEL
GLEN ELLYN, …

Under Navy Pier’s tent, Chicago Shakespeare Theater expands for flexible family-friendly spectacles

News Release: Chicago Shakespeare Theater and Navy Pier announce partnership that will expand Chicago Shakespeare’s campus and establish a year-round cultural hub on Navy Pier

‘The Flick’ at Steppenwolf: A double feature of illusions — or reel life vs. the digital option

Review: Annie Baker’s “The Flick,” at Steppenwolf Theatre, offers a clear-eyed meditation on friendship as it flowers and fades in the workplace, where strangers of different backgrounds grope toward a rhythm of working together and easing through their days, perhaps getting a little wiser in the process. ★★★★

Next season’s ‘Live in HD’ Met broadcasts continue at local cinemas through May 13

This Just In: The following is a news release written by an arts organization, submitted to Chicago On the Aisle.
THE METROPOLITAN OPERA’S 2016-17 SEASON, ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY AT LINCOLN CENTER, WILL FEATURE 10 HD BROADCASTS …

Chicago Sinfonietta receives $625k grant for creativity, effectiveness

This Just In: The following is a news release written by an arts organization, submitted to Chicago On the Aisle.

CHICAGO SINFONIETTA RECEIVES MACARTHUR AWARD FOR CREATIVE AND, EFFECTIVE INSTITUTIONS
Chicago, Illinois, February 18, 2016 – Chicago …

Lookingglass Theatre receives $1 million MacArthur grant for creativity, effectiveness

This Just In: The following is a news release written by an arts organization, submitted to Chicago On the Aisle.
LOOKINGGLASS: RECIPIENT OF THE 2016 MACARTHUR AWARD FOR CREATIVE AND EFFECTIVE INSTITUTIONS
We’re honored to have been …

Timeline Theatre receives $625k MacArthur Award for creavity, effectiveness

This Just In: The following is a news release written by an arts organization, submitted to Chicago On the Aisle.
TIMELINE THEATRE COMPANY RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS MACARTHUR AWARD FOR EXTRAORDINARY CREATIVITY AND EFFECTIVENESS
Chicago, IL — TimeLine Theatre Company …

Broadway in Chicago rounds out 2016-17 season with ‘Hamilton,’ ‘Aladdin’

News Release: CHICAGO (Feb. 15, 2016) – Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce its next season line­up: the Broadway musical HAMILTON, the North American tour premiere of Disney’s ALADDIN, 2014 Tony Award®­Winning Best Revival of a Musical HEDWIG AND THE ANGRY INCH, the 2015 Tony Award®­Winning Best Play THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT­TIME and THE BODYGUARD. The upcoming Season will go on sale to the public March 1, 2016.

Love with knife in heart or tongue in cheek, Valentine’s Day brings out kiss and scratch

Critic’s Pick: In a tribute to the downside of love, Chicago theaters send superb “anti-Valentines.” If you favor sarcastic greeting cards on the subject of romance, and aloof lyrics about love affairs “too hot not to cool down,” here are some shows that serve up the subject of love on Cupid’s big day with an appropriate grain of salt.

‘Rosenkavalier’ at the Lyric: Fleeting youth meets ardent love on high plane of singing

Review: There was a palpable sense of past, present and future in the Civic Opera House on Feb. 8, when the Lyric Opera of Chicago presented Richard Strauss’ exquisite 1911 opera “Der Rosenkavalier,” his domestic comedy of love and loss in the Mozartean vein. The tale swirls around the gentle crisis of a beautiful but lonely Viennese countess who feels her youth slipping away, sung by Illinois soprano Amanda Majeski, a promising singer at the threshold of a significant career. ★★★★

‘King Lear’ spun as a parable of oppression when Belarusian troupe goes for dark farce

Review: What’s the first image that overtakes you when you think of Shakespeare’s “King Lear”? Perhaps the broken old man, carrying forth the dead body of his youngest daughter. Or the powerless king, cheering the all-shaking thunderstorm as he howls his rage. In the Belarus Free Theatre production on view at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, the unwavering focus is the insanity and chaos of life in the king’s repressive regime. ★★★

To sub for ailing Muti, spry Russian Rozhdestvensky, 84, agrees to stick around

News Release: CHICAGO — Distinguished Russian conductor Gennady Rozhdestvensky, who is currently in Chicago to lead the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in performances of Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 1 & 15 this weekend February 5 & 6, has graciously agreed to remain with the Orchestra for an additional set of concerts on February 11, 12, 13 & 16.  Rozhdestvensky steps in for CSO Music Director Riccardo Muti, who had to withdraw from his February concerts in Chicago due to recovery from a hip operation.

Riccardo Muti, hip ailing, withdraws from February Chicago Symphony concerts

News Release: CHICAGO — CSO Music Director Riccardo Muti is unable to conduct his February concerts in Chicago due to recovery from a hip operation that was needed following a minor accident. The concert scheduled for February 19 at Holy Name Cathedral will be postponed with a new date to be announced. A guest conductor or conductors for the CSO’s performances February 11-20 will also be announced at a later date.