The Eighth Frequency Festival: A Pioneering Musical Experience in Chicago

The Frequency Festival is back for its eighth installment, which officially kicks off on Tuesday, February 20, in Chicago. After a hiatus in 2021 due to COVID-19, the festival is set to return in full swing. The event has its roots in the Frequency Series, begun in April 2013 by Peter Margasak, a visionary programmer and former journalist, and takes place at Constellation, the renowned performance space. With a commitment to showcasing innovative classical and experimental sounds, the festival remains true to its founding principles geared towards an audience keen on unique musical journeys.

A Diverse Lineup of Sonic Explorers

This year's lineup boasts a rich array of talent, particularly string players who blend classical finesse with a variety of global influences, cutting-edge technology, and the timeless challenge of working with different tuning systems. The festival maintains a tradition with an electric guitar-driven opening act, featuring the Chicago duo BCMC, comprised of Bill MacKay and Cooper Crain.

The majority of performers are US-based, but international artists, including violinist Sarah Saviet and Swedish composer-organist Ellen Arkbro, both hailing from Berlin, will be marking their Chicago debuts. The festival not only spotlights performances but also the interconnectedness of musicians through a celebration of a communal spirit, sans geographic confines.

Concerts take place across six evenings, with a lineup that spans genres and geographies, promising attendees an immersive sonic experience.

Highlights of the Performances

Over the span of the festival, attendees can expect performances ranging from the eclectic improvisations of BCMC to the intricate string renditions of the duo andPlay. Artists like Nate Wooley are set to challenge the perceptions of trumpet music, while Sarah Saviet promises a transcendent experience with her rendition of 'A Coiled Form.' The duo of Jessika Kenney and Eyvind Kang brings a tapestry of Persian and Indian vocal traditions, and the ensemble Zarabanda Variations adds a historical flair with a modern take on the dance of the same name.

The festival also features works like Ellen Arkbro's 'Sculptures,' an organ-based soundscape inviting listeners to explore spatial acoustics, and Ensemble dal Niente's array of pieces including a world premiere. Wrapping up the festival will be performances by Austin Wulliman, showcasing his compositional talent, and pianist Cory Smythe, who blurs the lines between improvisation and composed music.

music, festival, Chicago