Alsop Conducts Wolfe: Her Story by Clyne, Montgomery, Jessie, Wolfe, Julia, From (2023/2023), Directed by Anne Kauffman, Conductor Marin Alsop, Symphony Center Chicago, Chicago, United States

Conductor Marin Alsop leads the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in three pivotal works by 21st-century women composers. This Midnight Hour, a single-movement orchestral composition by former Mead Composer-in-Residence Anna Clyne, evokes a visual journey for the listener. Mead Composer-in-Residence Jessie Montgomery’s Rounds, commissioned for and performed by pianist Awadagin Pratt, is inspired by the constancy, rhythms and duality of life that impact all living things. Closing the program is Her Story, a CSO co-commission by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Julia Wolfe that captures the passion and perseverance of women who have led the fight for representation and gender equality. A 40-minute theatrical experience for orchestra and women’s vocal ensemble, the piece is the latest in a series of compositions by Wolfe that highlights monumental and turbulent moments in American history. Explore the music in the free preconcert conversation featuring Guillermo Muñoz Küster in Orchestra Hall 75 minutes before the performance. For the Jan. 6 talk, composers Julia Wolfe and Jessie Montgomery also will participate. The conversation will last approximately 30 minutes. No additional tickets are needed.