Imani Winds to succeed Pacifica Quartet as UC ensemble in residence

Thu Jan 07, 2016 at 4:31 pm

By Lawrence A. Johnson

The Imani Winds will become the University of Chicago's ensemble-in-residence in the fall of 2016. Photo: Matthew Murphy
The Imani Winds will become the University of Chicago’s ensemble-in-residence in the fall of 2016. Photo: Matthew Murphy

After 17 years as ensemble-in-residence at the University of Chicago, the Pacifica Quartet will be leaving the Hyde Park campus at the end of this season. Their final concert will be April 24.

Succeeding Pacifica in the same post will be the Imani Winds.  The touring ensemble will become UC ensemble in residence beginning this fall for a two-year tenure through 2018.

The appointment of the Imani Winds marks a  departure in the post from the classical emphasis of previous groups. While the wind quintet does perform contemporary classical repertory, the ensemble is equally known for its crossover forays into jazz and world music.

In their post as ensemble in residence, the Imani Winds will perform regularly in the UC Presents series, as well as work with undergraduate and graduate student composers; interact with the University Symphony Orchestra and other ensembles,; and offer master classes, workshops and coaching.

“Imani Winds is thrilled to be the Don Michael Randel Ensemble-in-Residence at the University of Chicago,” said Imani bassoonist Monica Ellis in a statement releases by UC Presents.  “World-class musicians and artists are presented on the University’s stages every year, and we’re honored to be in that lineup. We’re looking forward to exciting music making, meaningful collaborations with the students and being a part of the wider community that the University serves.” 

Masumi Per Rostad of the Pacifica Quartet thanked the group’s Chicago audience for their support over the past 17 years at the University of Chicago. “We have had the pleasure of giving hundreds of performances of old and new masterworks and had countless highly rewarding interactions with the University community. 

“We send best wishes to our very special audience who know us better than any other in the world. They have supported our work with such fervor and excitement over the years, and we look forward to seeing them at future performances in Chicago and afar.”

The Pacifica Quartet performs music of Mendelssohn, Schnittke and Shostakovich 3 p.m. January 17 at the Logan Center for the Performing Arts. ticketsweb.uchicago.edu/shows/pacifica%20quartet/info/3

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