Orion Ensemble

Description

The Orion Ensemble unites four distinguished female concert artists in the finest chamber music performances: traditional repertoire, lesser-known and contemporary works, and new commissions. Renowned for expressive cohesiveness and creativity developed over 29 years together, their unique dedication to this intimate art form contributes to its preservation and accessibility, inspiring audiences of all ages, as well as composers and young musicians.

Work Sample

Orion Ensemble performance, Nichols Hall, 03/13/22
1:04:55

TRIO in E-Flat Major for Clarinet, Cello, and Piano, Op. 44    Louise Farrenc
Andante—Allegro moderato
Adagio
Minuetto: Allegro
Finale: Allegro

THREE VISIONS for Solo Piano (1935) William Grant Still
1. Dark Horsemen    
2. Summerland
3. Radiant Pinnacle

TRIO in A minor for Violin, Cello, and Piano, Op. 34    Cécile Chaminade
Allegro moderato   
Lento
Allegro energico

Orion Ensemble, 5/22/21
PianoForte Live Stream
58 minutes
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Quartet in E-flat Major for Violin, Viola, Cello and Piano, K. 493

Walter Rabl’s (1873–1940) Quartet for Clarinet, Violin, Cello and Piano, Op. 1

Orion Ensemble, October 6, 2020
1:13:30
All-Beethoven
Trio in B-Flat major for Clarinet, Cello and Piano, Op.11

Trio in B-Flat major for violin, cello and piano "Archduke", Op.97

These work sample concerts are representative of our 29 years of giving performances.

History

History: Now in its 29th season, Orion has returned to it’s pre-pandemic performing schedule, as it continues presenting a 4-concert subscription series in Chicago and the suburbs since 1993.The current core artists include: Kathryne Pirtle (clarinet), Florentina Ramniceanu (violin), Diana Schmück (piano), and Judy Stone (cello); with Stephen Boe (viola) serving as Orion’s excellent principal guest violist since 2010.The series continues with 4 concerts at each of 3 venues: in Chicago at The PianoForte Studios; in Evanston at Nichols Hall of the Music Institute of Chicago; and in Fox Valley at the New England Congregational Church in Aurora. In 2013, Orion launched Janet’s Stage, an educational partnership in three west suburban high schools. This season they are working with Glenbard East High School and Glenn Westlake Middle School.

Artistic Vision

Orion Ensemble unites four distinguished female concert artists in the finest chamber music performances: traditional repertoire, lesser-known and contemporary works, and new commissions. Renowned for expressive cohesiveness and creativity developed over 28 years together, their unique dedication to this intimate art form contributes to its preservation and accessibility, inspiring audiences of all ages, as well as composers and young musicians.

Programs for Specific Audience(s) Expertise

Our concerts are for all audiences. They can be tailored to meet the needs of any group.