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  • In memory of Cliff Joseph, artist & activist

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    Claudia

    While searching for an image to represent the launching of Black Voices in Cabaret, we are inspired by this painting by Cliff Joseph, African-American artist, activist and art therapist. Cliff was engaged in the world around us until the week of his passing on November 8, 2020, at the age of 98. He loved our…

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  • Black Voices in Cabaret seeks artist submissions

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    Claudia

    Working In Concert has launched a new initiative to take on the much-needed advancement of Black artists in the field of cabaret. By cabaret, we mean the intimate style of performance that connects the singer to their song and their song to the audience in a personal way. We invite cabaret performers, musicians, videographers, and…

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  • Launching an ongoing project of Black Voices in Cabaret

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    Claudia

    Encouraged by possible start-up funding from the Healing Illinois campaign (Department of Human Services), Working In Concert is facilitating the creation of a network and ongoing program to highlight Black Voices in Cabaret. African American artists interested in participating, submit program proposals and raise their hands to Make It Happen! Write to BVIC@workinginconcert.org or call…

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  • International Women’s Day Concert Extravaganza — A Tribute to Women in the Arts by Women in the Arts

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    Christine Steyer

    Tuesday, March 8, 2022, 7pm, Oak Park. Tickets here.

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  • Events

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    Christine Steyer

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  • SongShop is live in garden concert!

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    Claudia

    SongShop Live presents our third live concert since the world went topsy-turvy with neighbors and friends in our Albany Park garden. Elizabeth Doyle at the keyboard. Featuring Barb Smith, Christian Halvorsen, Evelyn Danner, Sharon Waltham, Lydia Stux, Patrick Davis, dancer Kamran Al Kareem, and your host Claudia Hommel. Saturday, October 10 at 2 PM. We’ve…

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  • Chicago Paris Cabaret Connexion hosts next conference in Chicago, in 2022

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    Claudia

    Chicago Paris Cabaret Connexion has moved the dates of the next international exchange to spring 2022. Our conference will include master classes, round table discussions about the history and art of cabaret, and a grande finale performance by participants. In the meantime, we’re looking forward to a few of our French cohorts joining us during…

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  • Operas premiere in 2021/2022

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    Claudia

    Tales of Transcendence: Intimate operas celebrating stories of everyday people who, as individuals and groups, have transcended the human divide.  Working In Concert’s Bellissima Opera will premiere live in June 2022, in Chicago. FUTURE PERFECT (a full length opera) co-created with 1,300 Chicago area youth. This opera tells the adventures of Miranette, an intuitive and curious girl on a journey…

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  • Radio

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    Kenneth Gourlay

    WHOLE NOTES – Music of Healing and PeaceAired on 98.7 WFMT on December 13, 2019 This 60-minute program, featuring cellist Yo-Yo Ma, soprano Christine Steyer and others, features music in response to gun violence in our cities. Steyer and pianist Marta Johnson perform the aria “Red is a Trick” from Bellissima’s upcoming opera, Future Perfect by David Shenton, lyrics…

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  • Bellissima Opera Outreach Brings Music to Over 23,000 Students

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    Kenneth Gourlay

    Our outreach program recently performed at Kinzie Elementary, Lane Tech HS and Al Raby HS in Chicago, bringing the number of students to whom we have brought free music exceeding 23,000.

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  • Join our online SongShop sessions

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    Kenneth Gourlay

    We explore song text and context, develop song setups and patter, and dig into the subtext of lyrics. Have a song to work on. We currently meet via Zoom each Saturday. You are welcome to observe one session first, if you wish. Signup here.

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  • Stay tuned for the CHICAGO CABARET WEEK FEST in April 2022!

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    Claudia

    Cabaret has been at the heartbeat of Chicago’s nightclub scene for more than a century. We had planned to launch an annual Chicago Cabaret Week in March 2020, now we’re looking forward to post-pandemic launch from May 6-15, 2022. Dozens of artists at intimate venues around the city bring you their personal renditions of the…

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