Music can connect people in countless ways, from the intricate interplay of a string ensemble to jazz that challenges listeners to think about the world around them. On Nov. 20 and 21, the Wisconsin Union Theater team welcomes two performances that showcase how wide-ranging live music can be.
Whether you gravitate toward classical music, contemporary jazz, or another genre, this weekend offers a chance to discover a new favorite. Keep reading to explore what makes each performance unique and what you can look forward to hearing in Shannon Hall.
Friday, Nov. 20: Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble
Classical music takes center stage Friday night with the Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble. Formed in 1967 by principal players from the Academy of St Martin in the Fields orchestra, the ensemble brings together musicians known for their precision, expressive playing, and collaborative approach to chamber music.
The ensemble's program features works by Richard Strauss, Erich Wolfgang Korngold, and Felix Mendelssohn, showcasing this octet version of this well-known chamber orchestra. From Strauss's String Sextet from “Capriccio” to Mendelssohn's Octet in E-flat Major, the program highlights how a small ensemble of string instruments can work together to create something both intricate and powerful.
Experience the artistry of the Academy of St Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble live in Shannon Hall on Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 21: Terri Lyne Carrington + Social Science
The following evening, the Wisconsin Union Theater season shifts from classical masterworks to contemporary jazz masters with Terri Lyne Carrington + Social Science. Led by four-time Grammy-winning drummer, composer, educator, and activist Terri Lyne Carrington, the group blends jazz, R&B, hip-hop, spoken word, and improvisation to explore social and political issues through music. As the band says: “Music transcends, breaks barriers, strengthens us, and heals old wounds. Music is Social Science.”
Their new album, “Trip the Night Fantastic,” combines danceable rhythms with thought-provoking themes, including climate change, gender justice, immigration, and community solidarity. The album's title plays on the phrase “trip the light fantastic,” meaning to dance, reflecting Carrington's vision of music that encourages people to move, connect, and engage with the world around them.
Catch Terri Lyne Carrington + Social Science live in Shannon Hall on Nov. 21, at 7:30 p.m.
Experience back-to-back musical powerhouses at Shannon Hall on Nov. 20 and 21. Get your tickets while they last.