Chicago's distinguished Collaborative Arts Institute is marking a significant milestone by embracing a transformative new identity. After fifteen years of dedicated service to the musical community, the organization has officially adopted the name "Art Song Chicago," signaling an exciting evolution in its mission and vision.
This prestigious institution has established itself as the city's leading center for art song scholarship and vocal chamber music performance. The decision to rebrand represents more than just a cosmetic change—it embodies a forward-thinking approach to advancing the art of song within Chicago's cultural landscape. The new moniker more precisely captures the organization's core focus while positioning it strategically for future growth and impact.
Executive Director Eric Ferring expressed enthusiasm about this pivotal moment in the organization's history. "Our transition to Art Song Chicago as we commemorate our 15th anniversary season fills us with tremendous excitement," Ferring stated. "This rebrand authentically represents our fundamental identity—we have always been devoted advocates for the art of song within the city that serves as our artistic home and inspiration."
The organization's co-founder and Artistic Director, tenor Nicholas Pahn, emphasized the significance of this transformation. "Choosing to mark this important anniversary with our new name feels both organic and energizing," Pahn explained. "Art Song Chicago perfectly encapsulates our central purpose: championing the artistry of song while establishing Chicago as a dynamic, globally recognized center for this profoundly human and compelling form of musical narrative. Through music and poetry, we create meaningful connections between performers and audiences. This anniversary represents not only our past achievements but also our collective future alongside our artists, patrons, and broader community."
THE 2025 COLLABORATIVE WORKS FESTIVAL: EXPLORING CONFLICT AND HARMONY
Art Song Chicago will launch its upcoming season with the highly anticipated annual Collaborative Works Festival. This year's programming will delve into the compelling theme of "Songs of War and Peace," offering audiences a profound exploration of how music responds to human conflict and aspiration.
Phan provided insight into the festival's thematic selection, noting the contemporary relevance of this artistic exploration. "Given our world's current state, with ongoing conflicts spanning from Ukraine and Gaza to Sudan and Myanmar, and including the domestic struggles faced by migrant communities, examining how composers and poets have historically addressed conflict while reaching toward peace becomes essential," Phan observed. "Throughout human history, periods marked by violence and strife have consistently produced some of our most significant artistic achievements, and the art of song stands as a powerful testament to this creative response."
The festival programming will showcase two distinctive concerts featuring an impressive array of compositions. The repertoire will span from classical masters Henri Duparc, Gustav Mahler, and Robert Schumann to contemporary voices including Mohammed Fairouz, Errollyn Wallen, Matthew Recio, and Damien Geter. This thoughtful curation demonstrates the organization's commitment to bridging historical and modern perspectives on themes of conflict and reconciliation.
A remarkable assembly of vocal talent will bring these works to life. Pahn will share the stage with distinguished sopranos Raquel Gonzalez and Vanessa Beccera, accomplished mezzo-sopranos Sophia Maekawa and Zoie Reams, and versatile baritones Evan Bravos, Leroy Davis, and Schyler Vargas. The instrumental accompaniment will feature pianist Kuang-Hao Huang, Chicago Symphony Principal horn Mark Almon, Art Song Chicago Executive Director and tenor Eric Ferring, and renowned Eighth Blackbird Artistic Co-Directors Lisa Kaplan (piano) and Matthew Duvall (percussion).
Festival Performances: September 4-6, 2025, at Roosevelt University's Ganz Hall.
THE 2025-26 LIEDER LOUNGE SERIES: INTIMATE MUSICAL JOURNEYS
The organization's celebrated Lieder Lounge Series will continue to offer audiences intimate musical experiences throughout the season. The series opens with a compelling recital by Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen and John Churchwell, presenting "Departure." This thoughtfully curated program will feature compositions by Korngold and Schumann, alongside works reflecting Nussbaum Cohen's Jewish cultural heritage. The evening will also highlight songs by distinguished Black American composers H. Leslie Adams and Florence Price, culminating with a specially commissioned new work by Jake Heggie created specifically for this performance.
"Departure" Performance: November 16, 2025
The series continues with Samantha Hankey and Myra Huang presenting their interpretation of Schumann's beloved song cycle "Dichterliebe." This classic work remains one of the most cherished collections in the art song repertoire, offering audiences an opportunity to experience its emotional depth and musical sophistication.
"Dichterliebe" Performance: January 25, 2026
The season concludes with Helen Zhibing Huang and Alice Chung presenting "Girls of Yellow Diamonds," a culturally significant recital featuring pianist Yasuko Oura. This innovative program creates a musical narrative exploring the experiences of Asian-American women across different time periods, weaving together stories from the past, present, and future into a cohesive artistic statement that celebrates identity and heritage.
"Girls of Yellow Diamonds" Performance: May 1, 2026
