2018 in Music Photos

A year of big performances, big venues, big voices, and big ovations. Here’s a look at my favorite music photos from 2018. Applause to all!

All photos © copyright 2018 by Elliot Mandel. All rights reserved.

Mezzo-soprano Jennifer Johnson Cano and pianist Shannon McGinnis open the 2018 Collaborative Works Festival (Sept 5, 2018).

Cellist David Finckel and pianist Wu Han celebrate the Harris Theater’s 15th Anniversary (Oct 3, 2018)

Pianist Pierre-Laurent Aimard accepts the ovation at University of Chicago (March 6, 2018).

Jane Glover leads Music of the Baroque in its Millennium Park debut (Sept 12, 2018).

Kurt Elling in full voice at a packed Green Mill (June 22, 2018).

Chicago Children’s Choir belting it out in Millennium Park (May 24, 2018).

Fourth Coast Ensemble opens its 5th season in Frank Lloyd Wright’s stunning Unity Temple (Nov 2, 2018).

Soprano Nicole Cabell and pianist Craig Terry melt all the hearts Beyond the Aria (May 17, 2018).

Bella Voce stand and sing as one during their annual gala at the Museum of Contemporary Art (May 19, 2018).

Axe-slingin’ at the annual Bitter Jester Music Festival (July 4, 2018).

Victor Yampolsky and the Northwestern University Symphony Orchestra after a blistering Mahler 5 (Feb 3, 2018).

I found a neat little corner at the Copernicus Center for this angle on Scott Speck and the Chicago Philharmonic’s season opening concert (Nov 10, 2018).

Eric Snoza is the bassist in blue for Daren Hagen’s “Orson Rehearsed” (Sept 14, 2018).

Stephen Burns and the Fulcrum Point New Music Project’s annual Concert for Peace at Harris Theater (Dec 19, 2018).

The Zukerman Trio headlines the Music Institute of Chicago’s gala weekend (May 20, 2018).

Maestro Stanley Sperber leads the masses in the International Music Foundation’s DIY Messiah (Dec 17, 2018), though one face stood out from the crowd…

…Applause for Mr. Claus. (Dec 17, 2018).

Well, that was fast.

Spring has come and gone, and I spent most of it among wonderful artists and beautiful moments. Here's a sample of everything I saw: 

The Chicago Children's Choir singing their hearts out in grand spaces. Galas for Bella Voce and Music of the Baroque. A beautiful spring evening on stage at Millennium Park. A surprise proposal and engagement tomfoolery. The Chicago Philharmonic's Scott Speck puts on the conducting gloves. Lots of portraits of lovely and talented artists. And the best rooftop view a photographer could ask for. 

All photos © copyright 2018 by Elliot Mandel. All rights reserved.

Chicago Children’s Choir at Navy Pier.

Patrice Michaels and Kuang-Hao Huang for Cedille Records.

Bella Voce Gala at the Museum of Contemporary Art.

Pianist Shannon McGinnis.

Scott Speck’s entrance before leading the Chicago Philharmonic’s season finale.

Chicago Children’s Choir in Millennium Park.

Composer/conductor/bassoonist Steve Ingle.

Audio/video engineer Aaron Gottl.

Nicole Cabell and Craig Terry for Harris Theater’s “Beyond the Aria.”

“Beyond the Aria” overlooking Millennium Park.

Jamie surprises Erica after a run with a ring.

She said yes.

Engagement session with Kristi and Greg in Lincoln Park.

Engagement silliness.

The Zukerman Trio at the Music Institute of Chicago.

Jane Glover toasts the crowd at Music of the Baroque’s gala.

Back for chamber music at St. James Cathedral for the International Music Foundation.

The view from the roof after a storm.

Three days with the Music Institute of Chicago

In November, I had the great fortune of spending three days on three different campuses of the Music Institute of Chicago. From a roomful of musical toddlers to the New Horizons senior band, there was music from everyone, reminding me of my own days of Suzuki cello.  The enthusiastic students, teachers, MIC staff, and parents gave me a rich and memorable experience. The future of music is in good hands.  

Photos © Copyright 2015 by Elliot Mandel. All rights reserved. 

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Mozart and champagne with the Chicago Philharmonic

Some scenes from the Chicago Philharmonic's Valentine's Day weekend concert at Nichols Concert Hall, including a performance by Visceral Dance Chicago and Mozart's Sinfonia Concertante with violinist David Perry and violist Carol Cook.  Conductor Scott Speck led the Philharmonic through an energetic program ending with Strauss's Champagne Polka; a champagne toast finished off a beautiful afternoon.