ICE Returns To The MCA

Fans of sonic experimentation will want to clear their schedules November 19 for the return of the Chicago/NYC-based International Contemporary Ensemble to the MCA for a rare performance of Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho's work. Brad Lubman will conduct and Saariaho herself will supervise the group's rehearsals and make a guest appearance at the concert to field audience questions.

If you've never attended a performance of ICE, then you are in for a treat. The adventurous group of thirty young musicians are continually reinventing and reinterpreting classical music with the modern in mind. Orchestral chamber arrangements are mixed with everything from percussion to laptop electronics. For the backstory and a preview of Saariaho's work in advance of the concert, we recommend checking out ICE's Saariaho blog and the Saariaho edition of their podcast.

The International Contemporary Ensemble perform the works of Kaija Saariaho, Thursday, November 19, at the MCA, 220 E Chicago, 7:30 p.m., $25 non-members, $20 members, $10 students.