Our players come from throughout the extended community surrounding Champaign-Urbana. We have local professional musicians, gifted amateurs, graduate and undergraduate students from the University of Illinois School of Music, and faculty musicians from the U of I and other nearby universities. And we often invite one talented student from the East Central Illinois Youth Orchestra to join our ranks each season.
We collaborate with only the best!
Pianist Ian Hobson
Pianist Gustavo Romero
Jazz pianist Bill French
Violinist Danwen Jiang
Trumpeter Amy Gilreath
Jazz Trumpeter Ray Sasaki
Jazz Trumpeter Sam Hankins
Soprano Ollie Watts Davis
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 concert by The Prairie Ensemble is truly unlike any other!
The Prairie Ensemble is a member of the Illinois Council of Orchestras.
Partial funding for The Prairie Ensemble is provided by
the Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.
I'm glad to become a friend. The concept behind your group is very appealing. I hope, one day, to find an opportunity to work with you on a music project. Best regards, Stan.
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