Volume X | November 2021
From the Chair
Think back one year—November 2020. We were in the midst of one of the most momentous events of our lives. Everything changed. The way we interacted, the way we worked, the way we played, and yes, the way we made music. Until this fall, the halls of the Fine Arts Building have been eerily silent and it’s great to once again hear music coming from faculty studios, rehearsal spaces and practice rooms.

Can we make up for lost time? I guess that depends on how committed we are to forging new paths and discovering new ways of creating our art. We are, by nature, creative creatures. Musicians thrive on challenge, innovation and improvisation. There are certainly enough problems for us to deal with, but my wish for all of us is that we tap into the deep well of artistry that lives in us. That may not solve any problems but it certainly makes life a lot better and it’s what sustains our spirits. So, prepare for the next challenge by spending more time in the library or practice room. Find some time to be silly, some time to be intense, some time to give thanks and some time to explore who you are NOW. You might be surprised and amazed at what you discover—I hope so!
Sing on! Play on!

--Dr. Robert Heitzinger
Performance Spotlight:
A Requiem for Today's Moment

The NEIU Choral Program is partnering with /Kor/ Productions, this semester on a collaborative performance of Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem (A German Requiem). Brahms’ Requiem was selected because of the unique perspective it offers among requiems; it is considered unusual in the canon in that it is written for the living and not the deceased. Much of the text and musical content is meant to console those that are living, as noticed in the first line of the text, “Selig sind die da Leid tragen, den sie sollen getröstet werden/Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall have comfort.” We thought a Requiem with the sentiment of comforting the living would be a meaningful way to honor all of us as we continue to mourn the effects of this global pandemic as well as memorialize all those that we have lost. Join Dr. Christopher Owen and the NEIU Chamber Singers and Chorus at the beautiful Queen of the Apostles Church (2330 W. Sunnyside Ave) on Friday, December 3 at 7:30pm for a gorgeous performance of this meaningful work.
Program Spotlight: Concerto Performances Go On!
The NEIU Orchestra program has been thrilled to present the winners of both the NEIU Elyse J. Mach Concerto Competition and the Chicago Chamber Music Festival Concerto Competition over the last many years. During the pandemic, we have been unable to present large-scale concerts as an orchestra, but the competitions have endured, continuing to serve as a motivating goal for our student musicians and a celebration of the hard work and musical talents of all the participants. This semester feels like a triumphant return to live performance and it is only fitting that we champion the recent winners who have not been able to offer their performances.

The orchestra's October 14 concert featured Vladimir Dinic, clarinet and Erika Brown Thomas, soprano. Join conductor Benjamin Firer on Thursday, November 18 at 7:30pm in the NEIU Auditorium to hear Abby Reed, violin, Samuel Kim, piano, Jan Vargas Nedvetsky, cello, Freddy Quintero, double bass, and Megan Wilhelm, soprano. We can't wait for you to hear this outstanding musical talent!
Student Spotlight: Emily Perez
I still remember the day when I first stepped onto campus for a college visit: I instantly felt the warm and inviting aura of Northeastern and I knew I was right at home. Although I am timid, I love getting to know all the individuals that make up the music department. Northeastern is unique because everyone comes from different backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, and music teaching experience. Despite all the things that make every student or professor different, we still come together to help each other succeed, which is what I love the most.

In the future, I hope to find a teaching job at an elementary school doing general music and possibly return to NEIU to earn a masters in Psychology. Recently, I’ve gained an interest in studying the human body due to some recent struggles with pain while playing the clarinet. I would love to become a licensed massage therapist to help other musicians manage any physical pain that they feel when playing.

I chose a picture of me alongside a clarinet player named Benjamin Ford, who was my ride or die buddy all throughout high school band. He would call me Emilia, and for that I would call him Ginger. I’m grateful for the opportunities and support that both NEIU and the North Park community have given me and I’m also super happy that I managed to find myself another Ben here at NEIU!
Chicago's Oldest Nutcracker, right here at NEIU
The quintessential holiday and family classic is back! The little girl heroine, her mysterious godfather magician, the battle between toy soldiers and mice, a forest glade of dancing Snowflakes—these iconic scenes are brought to life in this beautiful production of Ruth Page’s The Nutcracker. Originally presented in the Arie Crown Theater from 1965 until 1997, this production recreates the beloved Chicago holiday version’s original full-length staging. Featuring international artists alongside the Ruth Page Civic Ballet Training Company’s elite dancers, experience the exquisite performances, stunning costumes and magical settings in the Land of Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets like never before! 

On Tuesday, November 16 at 3:05pm, join us in the Auditorium for the second of four Behind the Curtain events this school year presented by Ruth Page Dance exploring the history of this production. Learn from some of the creative team how the iconic production was transformed for the presentations at NEIU, and see a few of your favorite dance characters in a short performance. This event is free and open to the public.

Then, come back for the full production in December!

Saturday, December 11 at 3:00pm & 7:00pm
Sunday, December 12 at 1:00pm & 5:00pm
NEIU Auditorium
Admission: $5 - $40. Visit neiu.edu/tickets for details.
Next Week's NEIU Music and Dance Events
Woodwind Studios Showcase | Monday, November 15 | 7:30pm
Ruth Page Dance: Behind the Curtain | Tuesday, November 16 | 3:05pm
Student Recital Hour | Tuesday, November 16 | 3:05pm
Faculty Recital: Brian Torosian | Wednesday, November 17 | 7:30pm
NEIU Jazz Combo | Thursday, November 18 | 3:05pm
NEIU Orchestra | Thursday, November 18 | 7:30pm
Keep up to date with Music and Dance events on the NEIU's University Event Calendar or follow us on Facebook where there is an event for every concert. Catch anything you might have missed on the department's YouTube page. Videos are typically posted within 1-2 weeks of the live performance.
NEXT IN THE JEWEL BOX SERIES: DON STIERNBERG QUARTET
Friday, Nov. 19, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. Recital Hall
www.neiu.edu/tickets

Chicagoan Don Stiernberg is a leading exponent of jazz mandolin style. Having learned from 20th century master Jethro Burns, Don is now working on 50 years of experience as a professional musician, with 10 recordings of his own available and countless appearances on other artists' projects. The latest of these is "Straight Ahead" by the Don Stiernberg Quartet, released in June of 2020 and chosen shortly thereafter by Chicago Tribune jazz critic Howard Reich as one of the Best Jazz Recordings of 2020 So Far.

The quartet on the recording and performing for the Jewel Box series on Nov. 19th has been Don's working group for several years, recordings, and tour dates. On guitar is renowned jazz guitar master Andy Brown, who can be found all over YouTube or performing live at jazz clubs in Chicago (often with his wife, vocalist Petra Van Nuis) and festivals coast to coast and abroad. Rhythm section is legendary! Chicago jazz stalwarts Phil Gratteau on drums and Jim Cox on acoustic upright string bass. Their credits and achievements are too many to mention, but most likely you may have heard them backing the great pianist/singer Judy Roberts.

For their program on Nov. 19 the quartet will feature selections from the Straight Ahead recording, which combines swinging standards from Great American Songbook writers (Gershwin, Kern, Ellington, et al) with Brazilian jazz selections from the mando-centric subgenre known as "choro". Stiernberg may also warble a blues or bluegrass or folk or soul tune if the mood strikes or the request comes in. All in all it will be an evening of accessible listenable melodies and a swinging good time.