Join Ensemble Siciliano for a captivating evening of chamber music at the St. Michael Concert Series on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 7 pm at St. Michael Church – This dynamic group features acclaimed pianist Julia Siciliano, whose performances have been praised for their creative power and technical mastery; violinist Katie Klocke, whose artistry is matched by her adventurous spirit; violist Dominic Johnson, known for his eclectic career from indie rock to classical collaborations; and cellist Melissa Bach, a versatile performer with appearances alongside renowned artists and orchestras.

The program includes Schumann’s deeply romantic Piano Quartet in E-flat, Op. 47, filled with lyrical beauty and intricate counterpoint, and Brahms’s emotionally charged Third Piano Quartet in C minor, Op. 60, a work of profound depth that reflects the composer’s personal struggles and mature compositional prowess. It will be a wonderful evening and we can’t wait to see you there!

Changes to our next St. Michael Concert Series Concert – The recital planned for Sunday, April 21 featuring cellist Dane Johansen of the Cleveland Orchestra has been postponed until next season. In his place, SMCS artistic director Michael Finlay will be performing AT 4:30 PM at St. Michael Church – a solo recital featuring Mozart Sonata K. 333, Chopin Ballade No. 4, and Liszt Sonata in b minor.

Please join us for a piano recital presented by our very own former Assistant Director of Music! – Fresh from his stunning performance of the Rachmaninoff Piano Concert No. 2, Michael is an internationally acclaimed concert pianist and chamber musician most recently invited to perform at the Dame Myra Hess series in Chicago. He is a 2022 prizewinner of the American Prize Ernst Bacon Memorial Award. An avid chamber musician, Finlay has performed with members of the Cleveland, Chicago, and Montreal Symphony orchestras as well as with members of the Kontras, and Korner quartets.

Mozart – Piano Sonata K. 333
Chopin – Ballade No. 4
Liszt – Sonata in B minor

Our concert series is dependent on free will donations – To continue to bring these talented artists to our community, sponsors and private donations are needed and welcome. Please contact treasurer Fran Fuehrmeyer at Franban1014@aol.com if you can assist with our endeavor. Thank You!

Changes in our Spring Lineup

Our season finale will be Friday, May 10 at 7 PM at St. Francis of Assisi – Orland Park, IL. Please note the different day, time, and venue! – We will be hosting the marvelous Kontras Quartet, who will play an exciting program including a performance of the magnificent Brahms Piano Quintet in f minor, once again featuring pianist Michael Finlay – MORE INFORMATION BELOW!

Finally, we initially scheduled a piano recital featuring pianist Natalia Kazaryan for Sunday, June 2. This has also been postponed until next season, so we are making Friday, May 10 our season finale.