The Prairie Ensemble:
Expanding the Boundaries of Classical Music

Why we exist: to make our musical life more interesting, a little different from the norm.

How are we different? It's the feel of the concert event, the colorful visual image of the musicians and the close intimate quarters. (That intimacy, and the wonderful acoustics, are the reasons we play in churches--they're the best small concert halls in town.)

It's also the perpetual motion of the ensemble, with ever-changing combinations of musicians. You won't find that anywhere else. And then there's Kevin's own commentary before and during the concert, serving as your personal tour guide through music you may never have experienced before.

We're now in our second decade making first-rate music fun, approachable and affordable. If you're new to the Ensemble, you're in for a treat. If you're already a Friend, spread the word.

A Word from Music Director Kevin Kelly:

If you have followed The Prairie Ensemble closely over the years, you know that we always
embody a spirit of adventure. We move, amuse, entertain and occasionally challenge
listeners with our particular brand of music making. With the 2009–2010 season—our
14th—we embark on a new sort of adventure.

While chamber music has been a frequent feature of our concerts since our inception, this season it is the essence of all but one concert. Our season begins with the sublime and virtually never-played Octet by Schubert in our opening concert. A multifarious feast of unusual chamber pieces is promised for October and winter brings Stravinsky’s The Soldiers Tale, a compact drama based on the venerable legend of the devil at the crossroads. Our portability takes us to two venues where you don’t normally find us, places we hope you find intriguing. For our season finale, we return to full force to celebrate the 100th birth year of one of America’s great composers, Samuel Barber,
with two of his most popular pieces, paired with one of Mozart’s greatest symphonies.

Escape the everyday humdrum and join us for four intimate evenings of exciting and eclectic music. Let’s experience this adventure together!

The Prairie Ensemble | P.O. Box 295 | Champaign, IL 61824-0295
Phone 217.355.9077 | Email contactus@PrairieEnsemble.org

The Prairie Ensemble is a member of the Illinois Council of Orchestras.