Goethe once called architecture "frozen music." Open House Chicago will provide access to Chicago's most beautiful architectural treasures, buildings that might well be described as frozen music. Four composers will liberate the music that exists in the details of these buildings, as they compose works designed to be performed in these spaces during the Open House on October 19-20.
Open House Chicago will provide free access to more than 150 mansions, sacred spaces, art galleries, private clubs and iconic theaters during this weekend. The Chicago Architecture Foundation partnered with Access Contemporary Music (ACM) to ask four composers to write music for the event.
Musicians from ACM will première these compositions at the venues that inspired them, between noon and 3 p.m. on October 19, except for the Chicago Loop Synagogue, where performances will happen on October 20 from noon and 3 p.m.
ACM is dedicated to promoting new works by contemporary composers through performance, education and advocacy. What follows is a schedule of venues where live music will be performed. For a complete schedule of Open House events and locations, visit openhousechicago.org.
Elks National Memorial
2750 N. Lakeview Ave., Lincoln Park
Many Chicagoans are unaware of this magnificent war memorial, built in memory of more than 1,000 members of the Order of Elks who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War I. This is an excellent opportunity to tour one of Chicago's hidden architectural gems. The enormous central Rotunda and the Reception Hall were recently renovated. Composer Elizabeth Start will perform music that takes advantage of the Rotunda's incredibly resonant acoustics.
The Chicago Loop Synagogue
16 S. Clark St., Downtown
The second-floor sanctuary of the Loop Synagogue is illuminated by an entire wall of stained glass--Let There Be Light by Abraham Rattner.
Composer Joseph Bucchheit was inspired by the Rattner stained glass mosaic to write a site-specific piece for clarinet and cello. Two members of ACM will première the work in this soaring space between noon and 3 p.m. on Sunday, October 20.
Zhou B Art Center
1029 W. 35th St., South Side
The Zhou B Art Center is an 87,000 square foot cultural and arts center on Chicago's South Side, linking Chicago artists to the international arts community. It was founded by contemporary artists and brothers Shan Zuo and Da Huang Zhou. The space provides galleries, studio spaces and a collaborative environment for a community of more than 50 artists.
Composer Beth Bradfish wrote music for this space that explores the intersection of East and West. Her music will be performed on the erhu, a traditional Chinese instrument, and the western bass clarinet. The differences in tuning and cultural performance idioms will make for a unique and fascinating duet.
International Museum of Surgical Science
1524 N. Lake Shore Dr., Gold Coast
This museum was originally a private residence, designed in 1917 by Howard Van Doren Shaw to resemble Le Petit Trianon, a château on the grounds of Versailles that Louis XVI gave to Marie Antoinette. Since 1954, it has been home to the only museum in North America dedicated to surgical science.
Composer Michael Miller wrote music for violin and cello inspired by the setting of the beautiful historic mansion and the clinical exhibits of surgical instruments.
Musicians from ACM also performed during last year's Open House Chicago, in venues like the Bridgeview Bank Building.
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