By Tom LaPorte
Special to Inside
An experimental community concert in the 48th Ward will find a full classical orchestra performing for immediate "mix-down" by club DJs in an unprecedented performance on Earth Day, April 22.
"We are literally recycling Beethoven on Earth Day," said Dominic Johnson, violist and organizer of the volunteer New Millennium Orchestra. "This will bring young people to the classical world and classical fans into touch with the newest trends in techno-performance," he said.
The concert is collectively sponsored by the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, Ald. Mary Ann Smith (48th), the Chicago Department of Water Management, St. Andrew's Greek Orthodox Church (the venue for the concert) and several neighborhood block clubs.
Conceived as a new type of concert, it features three classical works performed by a 35-piece orchestra of volunteer professional musicians. Conductor Francesco Milioto, a rising star on Chicago's Classical scene, has been able to draw musicians from many of the top orchestras in the Chicago area.
Following the performance and an intermission, a team of DJs, led by jrick, will "re-mix" the pieces (Beethoven's "Symphony #4, Op. 60" and Handel's "Water Music"). They will work to a video mix created and projected by Brian Dressel of OVT Visuals.
"DJs have emerged as musicians in the full sense," said jrick. "We've come up in clubs and lofts, but we're ready for legitimate theater."
The DJs will be using music software donated for the occasion by Native Instruments, a German company that makes a production software suite called "Reaktor," specifically for laptop performers.
ENVIRONMENTAL EVENT
The Chamber and the Alderman's office are using the concert as an occasion to shine a light on environmental accomplishments in the neighborhood. The Department of Water Management is using it to launch several new programs designed to advance the Chicago Water Agenda.
Ald. Smith will be presenting awards to activists, organizations, block clubs and community leaders who have brought green projects into the ward. Edgewater Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Sheli Lulkin will also present awards.
The Chicago Department of Water Management will unveil a pilot project for irrigating a Rain Garden composed of native plants in Margate Park. It could become the model for such gardens up and down the lakefront.
The Department of Streets and Sanitation will be providing free blue bags for attendees.
The concert will also celebrate the placement of new planters up and down Sheridan Rd. in the 48th Ward. The planters, provided by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), will sport native plants that absorb water faster than most flowers and lawns.
"This will help manage storm water and show us what we can do in our own homes to help prevent basement flooding," said Ald. Smith. "The concert and these other events are a true blending of art and purpose. And that's what 'community' really means," she said.
The evening will start with a reception at the S. J. Gregory Auditorium of St. Andrew's Greek Orthodox Church, 5649 N. Sheridan Rd., at 7 p.m. Friday, April 22. The classical concert will start at 8 p.m., and the re-mix will start promptly after a brief intermission.
Admission is free. For more information, call (773) 784-5277. |
