My name is Gary Zidek. Welcome to The Arts Section. Tune into the radio program every Sunday morning on WDCB 90.9 & 90.7 FM or listen to it online here. I'll be showcasing a variety of arts & entertainment stories.
“I think just having an eclectic appreciation for music early on in life is the thing that’s kept me open-minded about what’s stylistically what’s possible in my own music.” - Composer Jessie Montgomery talking about her different music influences.
One of the country’s most exciting voices in orchestral music is spending a lot more time in Chicago these days. That’s because Jessie Montgomery is the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s Mead Composer In-Residence. The Manhattan-based composer, violinist and educator accepted the prestigious position a little over a year ago. Recently, CSO music director Riccardo Muti conducted Montgomery’s first CSO-commissioned work, the world premiere of HYMN FOR EVERYONE.
Montgomery is also responsible for curating the CSO’s MusicNOW series which highlights contemporary composers. The next MusicNOW concert, CONCERTO, will take place Monday May 23 at the Harris Theater.