Featured Project:BLACK VIOLET An original illustrated story/live music event produced in collaboration with Chicago-based chamber group Fifth House Ensemble.
THE STORY BLACK VIOLET takes place during the last major outbreak of the Black Plague in 17th Century London. During this time, it was widely believed that black cats were the source of the disease decimating Europe. They, along with other domestic pets, were systematically rounded up and exterminated in an attempt to contain the spread of contagion. With the resulting lack of natural predators, however, London’s rat population skyrocketed--the same population that was in fact the true carrier of the plague.
OUR STORY follows Violet, a young black house cat living comfortably in London. When her owner leaves home to do her part to help ease the suffering of London's afflicted, and her caretaker falls prey to the plague, Violet is forced to venture out into the world for the first time in her life. In her search for her owner, Violet faces unimaginable dangers, crosses paths with bizarre characters, and forges unexpected friendships, all amidst one of the most terrifying passages of London’s history...
CONCERT DATES(More dates will be added as they are confirmed):
ACT I: The LEAGUES of DESPAIR
• Tuesday, October 6, 2009 - 7:00PM - Chicago Cultural Center (Cassidy Theater) - FREE
• Thursday, October 8, 2009 - 8:00PM - SPACE - $12 General, $8 Students/Seniors
BLACK VIOLET
PERFORMED by FIFTH HOUSE ENSEMBLE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: MELISSA SNOZA, DIRECTOR of ARTISTIC PROGRAMMING: ADAM MARKS, DIRECTOR of EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMING: CRYSTAL HALL
The PLAYERS: MELISSA SNOZA: FLUTE, CRYSTAL HALL: OBOE, JENNIFER WOODRUM: CLARINET, KARL RZASA: BASSON, DeAUNN DAVIS: HORN, ANDREW WILLIAMS: VIOLIN, CLARK CARRUTH: VIOLA, HERINE COETZEE: CELLO, ERIC SNOZA: DOUBLE BASS, ADAM MARKS: PIANO
HISTORICAL CONSULTANT: KRISTEN KLEBBA
STORY and ILLUSTRATIONS by EZRA CLAYTAN DANIELS
