Announcing In Transit!

At long last, I'm pleased to announce our 2011-2012 series. There are lots of changes this year, and we are very excited to show you the crazy things that go on in the twisted brain of Fifth House. For those of you who have been following us for the last few years, you know that we are absolutely intrigued by the idea of narrative chamber music. In music rehearsals, we are constantly discussing stories, characters, and emotions. It makes sense for us to craft shows that allow audiences to join us on this narrative journey! This year, we bring you four (yes, four!) different stories of intriguing individuals, all of whom are at turning points in their life.

What makes In Transit special, however, is the way in which the stories unfold: through social media. So much in this age do we learn each other's stories by what we see on twitter, facebook, youtube, and more. It is a vehicle for sharing with people you talk to every day, and a way to stay marginally in touch with those you haven't seen in years, or perhaps haven't even met. This unique lens allows our stories to unfold slowly, and as always, you'll see dramatic events tied to important musical moments throughout the concert.

Also new this year is our format. Since we started our series, we have worked to have all 5HE members involved in each concert. This year, we are giving you a more intimate look into our ensemble members. The final show will include all players, but smaller ensembles will be featured on our other dates.

Another big change is where you can find us this year. We are keeping our dates at Preston Bradley Hall at the Chicago Cultural Center, but are delighted to be partnering with the Chicago Park District to bring our shows free of charge out into the neighborhoods as well.

Collaborators, you say? Who are the collaborators? We're thrilled that we have the amazing Rebekah Scallet (writer/director of The Weaver's Tales) crafting our stories again this year, Robert Quinlan (co-director of The Weaver's Tales: of debt and the maidens) taking the directing reigns, and we are teaming up with the brilliant Jay Nolte, an animator and artist out of Milwaukee.

Stay tuned for more details. I can't give it all away at once, can I?

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