5th Wave Collective

Description

5th Wave Collective is a Chicago-based classical music ensemble dedicated to performing and promoting music by womxn and gender-nonconforming composers. Demonstrating their commitment to composers throughout classical music’s history, the Collective performs repertoire by composers such as Teresa Carreño, Clara Schumann, Florence Price, Augusta Read Thomas, and Aftab Darvishi. With a roster of over 110 musicians, 5th Wave curates concerts with configurations ranging from solo instruments to symphony orchestra, and performs in venues across Chicago, including recital halls, art galleries, community centers and restaurants. The Collective has performed works by 116 composers since its founding in 2018, and has gained recognition outside of Chicago with an invited performance at the Boulanger Initiative’s Women Composer’s Festival in 2019.

5th Wave Collective programs may include solo works, works for small chamber ensembles, collections of works for a specific ensemble (e.g. string quartet, nonet), or portrait programs celebrating the work of a particular composer. 5th Wave members are eager to connect with their audiences and are glad to share information about their programs from the stage, and in pre- or post-show conversations. 

Work Sample

A video of the 5th Wave String Quartet performing Germaine Tailleferre's String Quartet. Recorded live at Heaven Gallery (Chicago, IL) in November 2020, the second of three installments in 5th Wave's digital concert series. Total running time: 11'07". Sample displays 5th Wave's determination to continue its mission work during the pandemic; collaboration with the gallery and the art on display there; and dedication to performing chamber music by women composers throughout history. The 5th Wave String Quartet is 5th Wave's only core ensemble, and the players perform regularly throughout the season.

A video of 5th Wave's third digital concert, "5th Wave Plugged In" — a collection of works for electroacoustic and electronic works. Total run time: 53'54". Recommended viewing samples: 4'50" - 8'30"; 27'06" - 30'30". Recorded in March 2021 at All Saints' Episcopal Church (Chicago, IL). Sample illustrates 5th Wave's dedication to programming contemporary classical music and including mixed media; intentional programming of composers from a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds; and the strength of 5th Wave's individual musicians. Sample also illustrates the type of information 5th Wave shares with its audiences in program notes, as well as how 5th Wave speaks from the stage (either physical or virtual) about its programs and mission.

The 5th Wave Collective Orchestra performing Florence Price's "Mississippi River Suite." Recorded September 2018 at the Chicago Temple (Chicago, IL). Total run time: 29'20; recommended sample: 5'40" - 9'20". The 5th Wave Collective Orchestra is 5th Wave's largest ensemble and performs approximately once per season. Sample illustrates 5th Wave's dedication to programming works by Black composers; and the strength of the Collective's roster as a whole (now over 120 musicians).

The three work samples submitted here show the breadth of 5th Wave's instrumentations: each concert season includes solo, small ensemble, and large ensemble (8+) repertory. The composers represented in these samples are from the 20th and 21st centuries, include composers of color, and display variety of compositional styles. Each 5th Wave season includes music by composers throughout classical music's history.

History

Founded in 2018 by oboists Ashley Ertz and Mika Allison, 5th Wave Collective has grown from a small group of student musicians to a roster of more than 110 Chicagoland performers. Beginning with a handful of self-presented concerts in small venues, the Collective has built an annual concert series including 6-8 self-presented performances in recital halls, art galleries, community centers, and restaurants. The Collective has been presented by Chicagoland institutions including Thirsty Ears Festival, Ear Taxi Festival, and 6 Degrees Composers, and in 2022, headlined the Opening Night Concert for the Illinois Music Education Conference. The Collective has also established itself as an online musical resource, providing database-style lists of its repertoire which are frequently viewed by teachers, students, and other ensembles.

Artistic Vision

5th Wave Collective is a Chicago-based classical music ensemble dedicated to performing and promoting music by women and gender-nonconforming composers. Demonstrating their commitment to composers throughout classical music’s history, the Collective performs repertoire by composers such as Teresa Carreño, Clara Schumann, Florence Price, Augusta Read Thomas, and Aftab Darvishi. With a roster of over 110 musicians, 5th Wave curates concerts with configurations ranging from solo instruments to symphony orchestra, and amplifies racially diverse musical voices by programming works by ALAANA composers on every program. 

Programs for Specific Audience(s) Expertise

5th Wave has not yet presented programs for children, youth, or seniors, but has been working to develop such programs and would be glad to accelerate these plans if a partner showed specific interest.