Early MusiChicago

T H E   N E W B E R R Y   L I B R A R Y

60 West Walton Street
Chicago, Illinois 60610-7324
(312)943-9090

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2004
Contact:  Erika Hartings
Phone:  (312)255-3553
hartingse@newberry.org
www.newberry.org

RING IN THE HOLIDAYS WITH A HOLIDAY TRADITION:
THE NEWBERRY CONSORT PRESENTS MIRACLES AND MARTYRS


CHICAGO--From December 15 through December 19, 2004, the Newberry Consort presents Miracles and Martyrs, a passionate program of medieval music from Spain, France and England that celebrates the miraculous powers of saints and virgins during this holiday season.

Miracles and Martyrs features Newberry Consort members Mary Springfels, David Douglass and Drew Minter and frequent guest musician Mark Rimple for a performance of well-known medieval songs and musical selections not heard since they were first performed in the thirteenth century.  The musicians will play the vielle, rebec, harp, lute, citole, and percussion instruments.  This holiday concert includes songs honoring St. Stephen, St. Nicholas, St. Thomas, and the Holy Innocents, as well as songs praising a simple Spanish minstrel, devout choirboys, and the burro that carried Mary on the flight into Egypt.

The Newberry Consort will present four performances of Miracles and Martyrs in Chicago, Oak Park, and Evanston.  Ticket prices vary by section and venue, but range from $21-$38 for general attendance, $19-$34 for Library Associates and seniors, and $11-$19 for students.  Open rehearsal tickets are $10, $7, and $5, respectively.  For more information, call the Center for Public Programs at (312)255-3700.

Wednesday, December 15, at 3 p.m.
Chicago Sinai Congregation
15 W. Delaware Place, Chicago
Open Rehearsal

Thursday, December 16, at 8 p.m.
Pre-concert lecture at 7 p.m.
The Newberry Library, Ruggles Hall
60 W. Walton St., Chicago

Friday, December 17, at 8 p.m.
Pre-concert lecture at 7 p.m.
Grace Episcopal Church
924 Lake Street, Oak Park

Sunday, December 19, at 3 p.m.
Northwestern University's Lutkin Hall
700 University Place, Evanston



The Newberry Consort is ensemble-in-residence at the Newberry Library, the Northwestern University School of Music, and the University of Chicago.  Programs are made possible in part with funding from the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency, a CityArts Program 4 grant from the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, the Istituto Italiano di Cultura, the Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation, and generous individuals known as the Friends of the Consort.  The Anne P. Lederer Research Institute supports the open rehearsals and the Senior Community Project.