Our First Season!

July 9, 2015 by Picosa in Blog

What a thrill to launch Picosa during our inaugural 2014-2015 season! Embarking on a journey such as this with dear friends who also happen to be inspiring artists and consummate professionals is a true honor and joy.

By season’s close, we performed 24 concerts and workshops all over the Chicago area, including our concert season homes at both PianoForte Chicago and Mayslake Peabody Estate. Our season opened with our collaboration with Pulitzer Prize winner Shulamit Ran and our performance of Mirage for full ensemble. As she spoke in our first concert,

“I was absolutely thrilled to be present as Picosa featured my work Mirage as the signature piece in their inaugural concert at Pianoforte Chicago. In the short time that I have come to know Picosa, I have been very impressed with the passion and commitment they bring to the entire endeavor, both musically and in terms of community engagement.”

Additionally, we performed world premieres of two fantastic works by Jonathon Kirk, our composer in residence: an original work titled Mechanical Birds (which will be performed again in concert during the Ear Taxi Festival in 2016) and his gorgeous transcription of Debussy’s Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune, both for full ensemble. We were also thrilled to premiere a new version of Augusta Read Thomas’ Scat, for which she transcribed the existing viola part to clarinet for Picosa. Of our work together, Thomas wrote,

“The individual and collective ensemble playing by Picosa is brilliant, passionate, nuanced and musical. When I think of Picosa, I think of great musicians who perform with grace virtuosity, who are fantastic, generous citizens in their bringing music to underserved communities, and ho are passionate about the music of living composers!”

We closed our season with a performance of Shawn Okpebholo’s CryptOlogiE, which is a rhythmic, and driving work full of energy.

Our partnership with Hesed House was an amazing source of inspiration for us, as we visited their children to host workshops for all ages, brought exposure to their cause, and contributed many donations of needed items and over $500 of financial support. Few things this season were as gratifying as seeing our vision of work with Hesed House fulfilled so beautifully.

Our upcoming season presents even more thrilling prospects. We wish all the best to our departing cellist, Christopher Ferrer, a dear friend, and we welcome Sara Sitzer. The direction of programming this season not only crosses boundaries of time, but also presents a global perspective including composers from Spain, Cambodia, Nigeria, Mexico, Iran, and more. We also look forward to presenting new works by Jonathon Kirk, our resident composer, for flute and electronics as well as for full ensemble in his new setting of the Ravel Piano Concerto in G Major, second movement. Additionally, our November concert showcases works by Joseph Schwantner in celebration of Innova’s release of my solo CD Looking Back — Flute Music of Joseph Schwantner which also features our pianist, Jeffrey Panko. Finally, we are excited to add a new regular venue to our season, Gottlieb Hall at the Merit School of Music. We look forward to having you join us for our performances, and as always, enjoy great refreshments and conversation at our receptions after every performance!

~Jennie Brown, Artistic Director

SEASON STATISTICS

2 babies born! Lillian Grace Brathwaite & Matthias Ba Wee Kirk

1 violinist who performed the Messiaen Quartet for the End of Time with one day’s notice and no rehearsal! – Cristina Buciu THANK YOU!

1 violinist who finished out our season with us so Elizabeth could be a mommy! – Jenny Leckie THANK YOU!

5 music boxes utilized in a serious musical fashion

3 World Premieres

3 Workshops at Hesed House

7 very talented young musicians performed pre-concert music for our audience

Infinite amounts of goodies consumed at La Briola for Picosa meetings

5 Picosa Mugs raffled off at events

1 bow thrown off the stage during a performance of the Brahms Trio

100+ items donated to Hesed House from our audience members

4 amazing interns – Jean, Esther, Gianna, and Maggie!

7 Awesome Picosa members to always keep things fun and fresh!

2014 – 2015 PICOSA EVENTS

May 4th, 2014

Unity Temple, Oak Park, Illinois

Jennie Brown, flute
Andrea R. DiOrio, clarinet
Elizabeth Brausa Brathwaite, violin
Jill Kaeding, cello
Jeffrey Panko, piano

Elizabeth Brown | Liguria (flute/clarinet/violin/cello/piano)
Claude Debussy | La cathÃ©drale engloutie (The Sunken Cathedral) from Preludes, Book 1 (piano)
Joseph Schwantner | Looking Back (flute/piano)
Olivier Messiaen | Quartet for the End of Time (clarinet/violin/cello/piano)

May 8th, 2014

ISMTA Naperville Chapter meeting

St. Margaret Mary Church, Naperville, Illinois

Jennie Brown, flute
Andrea R. DiOrio, clarinet
Elizabeth Brausa Brathwaite, violin
Jeffrey Panko, piano

Johannes Brahms | Sonata for Clarinet and Piano No. 1 in f minor, opus 120; I. Allegro appassionato (clarinet/piano)
Robert Schumann | Three Romances, opus 94 (violin/piano)
Joseph Schwantner | Black Anemones (flute/piano)
Joseph Schwantner | III. â€œJust Followâ€¦â€ from Looking Back (flute/piano)
Pablo Santiago Chin | Kaval Imaginario (clarinet)
Claude Debussy | La cathÃ©drale engloutie (The Sunken Cathedral) from Preludes, Book 1 (piano)
Johann Sebastian Bach | Triosonaten: Band 1, Sonata 2, BWV 1037 (flute/violin/piano)

July 10th, 2014

Windsor Manor, Carol Stream, Illinois

Andrea R. DiOrio, clarinet
Christopher Ferrer, cello
Jeffrey Panko, piano

Johannes Brahms | Trio in a minor, op 114 (clarinet/cello/piano)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Concerto for Clarinet; I. Allegro (clarinet/piano)
Johann Sebastian Bach | Sonata for Viola da Gamba No. 2, D Major, BWV 1028 (cello/piano)
Claude Debussy | La cathÃ©drale engloutie (The Sunken Cathedral) from Preludes, Book 1 (piano)

August 10th, 2014

National Flute Association Convention
Hilton and Suites; Chicago, Illinois

Jennie Brown, flute
Andrea R. DiOrio, clarinet
Elizabeth Brausa Brathwaite, violin
Christopher Ferrer, cello
Jeffrey Panko, piano
Jonathon Kirk, composer

Shulamit Ran | Mirage (flute/alto flute/clarinet/violin/cello/piano)
Joseph Schwantner | Looking Back (flute/piano)

August, 2014

Recording with Jim Gaynor for the web based show â€œThe Incidentâ€

Jennie Brown, flute
Andrea R. DiOrio, clarinet
Elizabeth Brausa Brathwaite, violin
Christopher Ferrer, cello

September 14th, 2014

Church Service
Bethel United Church of Christ, Elmhurst, Illinois

Jennie Brown, flute
Andrea R. DiOrio, clarinet
Elizabeth Brausa Brathwaite, violin
Christopher Ferrer, cello
Jeffrey Panko, piano

Johannes Brahms | Trio in a minor, op 114 (clarinet/cello/piano)
Johann Sebastian Bach | Flute Sonata in e minor BWV 1034; Andante (flute/piano)
Elizabeth Brown | Liguria (flute/clarinet/violin/cello/piano)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Sonata in G Major, K 310; Allegro con spirito (violin/piano)
Georg Philipp Telemann | Paris Quartet in D Major: Second Concerto (flute/violin/cello/piano)

September 17th, 2014

Hesed House, Aurora, Illinois

Jennie Brown, flute
Andrea R. DiOrio, clarinet
Elizabeth Brausa Brathwaite, violin

Workshop with the children

October 27th, 2014

Picosa Main Season Concert One – MIRAGE
PianoForte Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

Jennie Brown, flute
Andrea R. DiOrio, clarinet
Elizabeth Brausa Brathwaite, violin
Christopher Ferrer, cello
Jeffrey Panko, piano
Jonathon Kirk, composer
Shulamit Ran, composer (in attendance)

Elizabeth Brown | Liguria (flute/clarinet/violin/cello/piano)
Johannes Brahms | Trio in a minor, op 114 (clarinet/cello/piano)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Sonata in G Major, K 310; Allegro con spirito (violin/piano)
Joseph Schwantner | Looking Back (flute/piano)
Shulamit Ran | Mirage (flute/alto flute/clarinet/violin/cello/piano)

Presented as part of Chicago Artists Month

November 5th, 2014

Picosa Main Season Concert One – MIRAGE
Mayslake Peabody Estate, Oak Brook, Illinois

Jennie Brown, flute
Andrea R. DiOrio, clarinet
Elizabeth Brausa Brathwaite, violin
Christopher Ferrer, cello
Jeffrey Panko, piano
Jonathon Kirk, composer

December 3rd, 2014

Hesed House, Aurora, Illinois

Jennie Brown, flute
Andrea R. DiOrio, clarinet
Maggie Fraser, clarinet
Elizabeth Brausa Brathwaite, violin

Workshop with the children

January 3rd, 2015

Picosa Main Season Concert Two – MECHANICAL BIRDS
Mayslake Peabody Estate, Oak Brook, Illinois

Jennie Brown, flute
Andrea R. DiOrio, clarinet
Elizabeth Brausa Brathwaite, violin
Christopher Ferrer, cello
Jeffrey Panko, piano
Joann Cho, piano
Jonathon Kirk, composer

Philippe Bodin | Peal (flute/clarinet/violin/cello/piano)
Johann Gottfried Muthel | Flute Sonata in D Major (flute/piano)
Thomas Smetryns | For Elaeth (piano)
David Grant | Lullaby (piano)
Drew Baker | into dreams (piano)
Jonathon Kirk | Mechanical Birds (ocarina/flute/clarinet/bass clarinet/violin/cello/piano/synthesizer/music boxes)
WORLD PREMIERE
Johann Sebastian Bach | Sonata for Viola da Gamba No. 2, D Major, BWV 1028 (cello/piano)
Bela Bartok | Contrasts (clarinet/violin/piano)

January 23rd, 2015

Jennie Brown Faculty Recital
Wheaton College Conservatory, Wheaton, Illinois

Jennie Brown, flute
Andrea R. DiOrio, clarinet
Elizabeth Brausa Brathwaite, violin
Christopher Ferrer, cello
Jeffrey Panko, piano
Jonathon Kirk, composer

Georg Philipp Telemann | Paris Quartet No. 2 in D major (flute/violin/cello/piano)
Heitor Villa-Lobos | Jet Whistle (flute/cello)
Shulamit Ran | Mirage (flute/alto flute/clarinet/violin/cello/piano)
Philippe Bodin | Peal (flute/clarinet/violin/cello/piano)
Johann Gottfried Muthel | Flute Sonata in D Major (flute/piano)
Jonathon Kirk | Mechanical Birds (ocarina/flute/clarinet/bass clarinet/violin/cello/piano/synthesizer/music boxes)

January 26th, 2015

Picosa Main Season Concert Two – MECHANICAL BIRDS
PianoForte Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

Jennie Brown, flute
Andrea R. DiOrio, clarinet
Elizabeth Brausa Brathwaite, violin
Christopher Ferrer, cello
Joann Cho, piano
Jeffrey Panko, piano
Jonathon Kirk, composer

Philippe Bodin | Peal (flute/clarinet/violin/cello/piano)
Johann Gottfried Muthel | Flute Sonata in D Major (flute/piano)
Thomas Smetryns | For Elaeth (piano)
David Grant | Lullaby (piano)
Drew Baker | into dreams (piano)
Jonathon Kirk | Mechanical Birds (ocarina/flute/clarinet/bass clarinet/violin/cello/piano/synthesizer/music boxes)
Johann Sebastian Bach | Sonata for Viola da Gamba No. 2, D Major, BWV 1028 (cello/piano)
Bela Bartok | Contrasts (clarinet/violin/piano)

January 28th, 2015

Classical Revolution
Constellation, Chicago, Illinois

Jennie Brown, flute
Andrea R. DiOrio, clarinet
Elizabeth Brausa Brathwaite, violin
Christopher Ferrer, cello
Jeffrey Panko, piano
Jonathon Kirk, composer

Bela Bartok | Contrasts (clarinet/violin/piano)
Jonathon Kirk | Mechanical Birds (ocarina/flute/clarinet/bass clarinet/violin/cello/piano/synthesizer/music boxes)
Joseph Schwantner | Black Anemones (flute/piano)
Johannes Brahms | Trio in a minor, op 114; Adagio (clarinet/cello/piano)
Heitor Villa-Lobos | Jet Whistle (flute/cello)
Shulamit Ran | Mirage (flute/alto flute/clarinet/violin/cello/piano)

February 22nd, 2015

Paris Through the Centuries
Music at Bethel Series
Bethel United Church of Christ, Elmhurst, Illinois

Jennie Brown, flute
Elizabeth Brausa Brathwaite, violin
Christopher Ferrer, cello
Jeffrey Panko, piano

Marin Marais | Suite in G minor for 2 Treble Instruments and Basso continuo (flute/violin/cello)
G. Faure, arr P. Casals | Apres un reve (cello)
Jacques Ibert | Aria (flute/violin/piano)
Jacques Ibert | Deux Interludes (flute/violin/piano)
Gabriel Faure | Trio in D minor, opus 120 (violin/cello/piano)
Eugene Goossens | Suite for flute, violin, and piano (flute/violin/piano)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Sonata in G Major, K. 301 (violin/piano)
Georg Philipp Telemann | Paris Quartet No. 2 in D major (flute/violin/cello/piano)

March 4th, 2015

Hesed House, Aurora, Illinois

Jennie Brown, flute
Andrea R. DiOrio, clarinet
Maggie Fraser, clarinet
Elizabeth Brausa Brathwaite, violin

Music Workshop with the children

March 8th, 2015

Christ Church of Oak Brook, Oak Brook, Illinois
March Music Month

Jennie Brown, flute
Andrea R. DiOrio, clarinet
Elizabeth Brausa Brathwaite, violin
Christopher Ferrer, cello
Jeffrey Panko, piano

Music during the Service
Jacques Ibert | Aria (flute/violin/piano)
Johannes Brahms | Trio for Clarinet, Cello and Piano in a minor Opus 114; II. Adagio (clarinet/cello/piano)
Georg Philipp Telemann | Paris Quartet No. 2 in D Major; I. Allegro (flute/violin/cello/piano)

Music after the Service
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Concerto for Clarinet: I. Allegro (clarinet/piano)
Johannes Brahms | How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place (flute/clarinet/violin/cello/piano)
Camille Saint-Saens | The Swan (cello/piano)

March 29th, 2015

Covenant Presbyterian Church, Chicago, Illinois

Andrea R. DiOrio, clarinet
Elizabeth Brausa Brathwaite, violin
Sara Sitzer, cello
Jeffrey Panko, piano

Olivier Messiaen | Quartet for the End of Time

April 3rd, 2015

Good Friday Service
Bethel United Church of Christ, Elmhurst, Illinois

Andrea R. DiOrio, clarinet
Cristina Buciu, violin
Sara Sitzer, cello
Jeffrey Panko, piano

Olivier Messiaen | Quartet for the End of Time

April 9th, 2015

Sounds of New Music Festival
North Central College, Naperville, Illinois

Jennie Brown, flute
Andrea R. DiOrio, clarinet
Jennifer Leckie, violin
Christopher Ferrer, cello
Jeffrey Panko, piano
Jonathon Kirk, composer
Howard Whitaker, composer (in attendance)

Shulamit Ran | Mirage (flute/alto flute/clarinet/violin/cello/piano)
Olivier Messiaen | La Merle Noir (flute/piano)
Augusta Read Thomas | Capricci (flute/clarinet)
Milton Babbitt | Composition for Four Instruments (flute/clarinet/violin/cello)
Howard Whitaker | Conversations for Flute and Tape (flute/electronics)
Claude Debussy | La cathÃ©drale engloutie (The Sunken Cathedral) from Preludes, Book 1 (piano)
Jonathon Kirk | Mechanical Birds (ocarina/flute/clarinet/bass clarinet/violin/cello/piano/synthesizer/music boxes)

April 20th, 2015

Picosa Main Season Concert Three – The Music of AUGUSTA READ THOMAS
PianoForte Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

Jennie Brown, flute
Andrea R. DiOrio, clarinet
Jennifer Leckie, violin
Christopher Ferrer, cello
Jeffrey Panko, piano
Jonathon Kirk, composer
Augusta Read Thomas, composer (in attendance)

Augusta Read Thomas | â€¦a circle around the sunâ€¦ (violin/cello/piano)
Olivier Messiaen | La merle noir (flute/piano)
Augusta Read Thomas | Capricci (flute/clarinet)
Augusta Read Thomas | Euterpeâ€™s Caprice (flute)
Joan Tower | Petroushskates (flute/clarinet/violin/cello/piano)
Milton Babbitt | Composition for Four Instruments (flute/clarinet/violin/cello)
Heitor Villa-Lobos | The Jet Whistle (flute/cello)
Claude Debussy | Claude Debussy | La cathÃ©drale engloutie (The Sunken Cathedral) from Preludes, Book 1 (piano)
Augusta Read Thomas | Piano Etudes; III. Cathedral Waterfall, V. Rain at Funeral (piano)
Augusta Read Thomas | Scat (flute/clarinet/violin/cello/piano)
WORLD PREMIERE OF NEW CLARINET VERSION

Concert was reviewed by Tim Sawyier, Chicago Classical Review

April 29th, 2015

Picosa Main Season Concert Three – The Music of AUGUSTA READ THOMAS
Mayslake Peabody Estate, Oak Brook, Illinois

Jennie Brown, flute
Andrea R. DiOrio, clarinet
Jennifer Leckie, violin
Christopher Ferrer, cello
Jeffrey Panko, piano
Jonathon Kirk, composer
Clarinet Trio of Students from Oak Prairie Junior High in Homer Glen, Illinois

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Divertimeno No. 5 (3 clarinets)
Ralph Guenther | Canzona Amabile (3 clarinets)

May 21st, 2015

ISMTA Salt Creek Chapter
Mayslake Peabody Estate, Oak Brook, Illinois

Jennie Brown, flute
Andrea R. DiOrio, clarinet
Jennifer Leckie, violin
Christopher Ferrer, cello
Jeffrey Panko, piano

Shawn Okpebholo | CryptOlogiE (flute/clarinet/violin/cello/piano)
Toru Takemitsu | Between Tides (violin/cello/piano)
Franz Joseph Haydn | London Trio No. 1 in C Major (flute/violin/cello)
Kaija Saariaho | Duft (clarinet)
Heitor VIlla-Lobos | Jet Whistle (flute/cello)
Claude Debussy Transcribed by Jonathon Kirk | Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun
WORLD PREMIERE of NEW TRANSCRIPTION

June 1st, 2015

Picosa Main Season Concert Four – CryptolOgiE
PianoForte Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

Jennie Brown, flute
Andrea R. DiOrio, clarinet
Jennifer Leckie, violin
Clarissa Bevilacqua, violin
Christopher Ferrer, cello
Jeffrey Panko, piano
Jonathon Kirk, composer
Shawn Okpebholo, composer (in attendance)

Shawn Okpebholo | CryptOlogiE (flute/clarinet/violin/cello/piano)
Kaija Saariaho | Duft (clarinet)
Ludwig van Beethoven | Piano Trio No. 5 in D Major, Op. 70, No. 1 â€œGhostâ€ (violin/cello/piano)
Toru Takemitsu | Between Tides (violin/cello/piano)
Luciano Berio | Sequenza 1 (flute)
Franz Joseph Haydn | London Trio No. 1 in C Major (flute/violin/cello)
Claude Debussy Transcribed by Jonathon Kirk | Prelude to the Afternoon of a Faun
WORLD PREMIERE of NEW TRANSCRIPTION

June 10th, 2015

Picosa Main Season Concert Four – CryptolOgiE
Mayslake Peabody Estate, Oak Brook, Illinois

Johannes Brahms | How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place
Gabriel Faure | Cantique de Jean Racine
Eugene Bozza | Jour D’Ete A La Montagne

June 29th, 2015

Music at Bethel, Summer Series
Bethel United Church of Christ, Elmhurst, Illinois

Jennie Brown, flute
Andrea R. DiOrio, clarinet
Elizabeth Brausa Brathwaite, violin
Jeffrey Panko, piano

Johannes Brahms | How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place Â (flute/clarinet/violin/piano)
W. A. Mozart | Clarinet Concerto, 1st mvmt Â (clarinet/piano)
Jacques Ibert | Aria (flute/violin/piano)
Johannes Brahms | Sonata No. 2, 1st mvmt (clarinet/piano)
Henri Dutilleux | Sonatine (flute/piano)
Frederic Chopin |
Johann Sebastian Bach | Triosonaten: Band 1, Sonata 2, BWV 1037 (flute/violin/piano)

July 1st, 2015

Hesed House, Aurora, Illinois

Jennie Brown, flute
Andrea R. DiOrio, clarinet
Maggie Fraser, clarinet
Elizabeth Brausa Brathwaite, violin

Music Workshop with the children