NOVA VII: in bloom | Constellation Men's Ensemble

a note of welcome

Dear Friends and Music Enthusiasts,

Welcome to Constellation Men’s Ensemble’s seventh annual new music series, NOVA!

It is with immense joy and pride that we welcome you in celebrating the vibrant history and natural beauty of Chicago’s parks through an extraordinary musical journey. This year marks a significant milestone for CME as we commemorate our 10th anniversary season with a series of concerts that pay homage to the eternal spring of music and our everlasting connection to nature.

Our collaboration with the Chicago Parks District for NOVA VII: in bloom is a testament to our unwavering commitment to community engagement and the arts. We are honored to present the poignant compositions of Eric Malmquist, particularly his piece "Open, Free, and Clear," which masterfully captures the essence of Chicago's green spaces, from iconic monuments to the hidden grounds beneath our feet.

Throughout this weekend, we will premiere 10 new works by esteemed composers in various park locations across the city. Each piece is a unique tribute to the natural beauty and historical significance of our public land and the earth beneath us. We are excited to share this never-before-heard musical experience with you and hope it inspires a deeper advocacy for the green spaces that enrich our community.

As part of our dedication to accessibility and community spirit, all concerts are free and open to the public. For this year’s NOVA, our Community Uplift Partnership will benefit the Chicago Parks District and any donations made will support their efforts to maintain and enhance these vital spaces. Please consider making a gift in support of new music and public spaces.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Chicago Parks District and the Night Out in the Parks program for their support and partnership. Together, we are creating an exciting future for summer seasons filled with music and community.

Thank you for being a part of this unforgettable journey through music and nature. We look forward to sharing these magical sonic moments with you.

Yours in Music & Brotherhood,

Ryan Townsend Strand Executive Director & tenor, Constellation Men’s Ensemble

NOVA V I I: in bloom

June 7- 9, 2024

Indian Boundary Park • Battle of Fort Dearborn Park • Lincoln Park Conservatory Chicago, IL

NATURE IS NOT QUIET* SCOTT SENKO

UN LENGUAJE HECHO DE RAÍCES LUIS FERNANDO AMAYA

THE WIND, ONE BRILLIANT DAY

PAUL JOHN RUDOI

TRUTH AMONG THE FLOWERS MARYBETH KURNAT

ROOTS AND BRANCHES

MICHAEL ROBERT SMITH FOR FEAR TO BE JORDAN NELSON

VIBURNUM IN WINTER GINNY STRAWSON

amplItude / ambIence ERIK POTTEIGER

brief pause

OPEN, CLEAR & FREE ERIC MALMQUIST

I. Open, Clear & Free

II. The Balbo Monument

III. The Bronze General Grant

IV. Lincoln Park

V. Who loves a garden

VI. (Open, Clear & Free)

VII. 1919

VIII. Douglass Park

TO LOOK AT THINGS IN BLOOM ERIK PEARSON

*all world premieres*

TEXTS

I want to whistle with the bittersweet Green blade between my thumbs

Sing along with whispering leaves

And branches

Dance, wet with rainsplat

To the hum of insect wings

Frog belches

Chrickets, screeching

Nature is not quiet

Nor was I meant to be.

Lenguaje

No hay hora ni lugar ni espacio que no anduviera buscando un lenguaje hecho de manos y viento y nutrientes en que no estuviera investigando una forma redonda y conveniente de nutrirlos de acompañarlos de estar:

crecer en compañía

-- Marley Crossland

The wind, one brilliant day, called to my soul with an odor of jasmine.

"In return for the odor of my jasmine, I'd like all the odor of vour roses."

"I have no roses; all the flowers in my garden are dead."

"Well then, I'll take the withered petals and the yellow leaves and the waters of the fountain."

the wind left. And I wept. And I said to myself: "What have you done with the garden that was entrusted to you?"

--Antonion Machado, translated by Robert Bly

Maricela Guerrero, from El sueño de toda célula

While Visiting on the South Stream The Taoist Priest Chang (尋南溪常山道人隱居)

一路經行處， Walking along a narrow path, 莓苔見履痕， I find a footprint on the moss, 白雲依靜渚， A white cloud hanging low on the quiet lake, 春草閉閒門。 Grasses that sweeten an idle door; 過雨看松色， A pine grown greener with the rain, 隨山到水源， A brook that flows from a mountain source溪花與禪意，And, mingling with Truth among the flowers. 相對亦忘言。 I have forgotten what to say*

English translation by Witter Bynner Text permissions granted by the Witter Bynner Poetry Foundation.

Sail, Monarchs, rising and falling orange merchants in spring's flowery markets! Messengers of March in warm currents of news floating, flitting into areas of aroma, tracing out of air unseen roots and branches of sense I share in thought, filaments woven and broken where the world might light casual certainties of me. There are echoes of what I am in what you perform this morning. How you perfect my spirit! almost restore an imaginary tree of the living in all its doctrines by fluttering about, intent and easy as you are, the profusion of you! awakening transports of an inner view of things.

-- Robert Duncan

Text permissions granted by New Directions & the Jess Collins Trust

We never know how high we are Till we are called to rise; And then, if we are true to plan Our statures touch the skies

The Heroism we recite Would be a daily thing, Did not ourselves the Cubits warp For fear to be...

Emily Dickenson from We never know how high we are

The cold is biting; The earth seems locked, unyielding. A sudden scent of honey, burnt sugar, and spice, loosens winter's grip. Pink clusters of sweet beauty: Fragrant viburnum.

Ginny Strawson, April 2024

Anxiety in the architecture of populated places, Seeking nightfall catharsis with lust-sullen faces, Moonlit mist oozing into evening’s lush bouquet of stars, Fibrous filaments weave green canopies past foxes and cars, As rivers ebb, swell, gorge, flow, No ferryman in sight, no Orpheus in tow, Gazing into ripples and reflections, Casting out traumas and imperfections, A sanctuary sparing souls from sprawl, Allowing space to stare inward at all.

Fear fades

Wind whispers

Time drips

Finding air to breathe

As our roots traverse deeper Our branches bent and broken We grow closer together

This the silent tread forward.

--Erik Potteiger

OPEN, CLEAR & FREE

I. Open, Clear, & Free

Public Ground. A Common to remain forever Open, Clear, & free of any buildings, or other Obstructions Whatever Illinois and Michigan Canal Commission Map, 1836

II. The Balbo Monument

This column twenty centuries old erected on the beach of Ostia port of Imperial Rome to safeguard the fortunes and victories of the Roman triremes Fascist Italy, by command of Benito Mussolini, presents to Chicago exaltation, symbol, memorial of the Atlantic Squadron led by Balbo that with Roman daring flew across the ocean in the 11th year of the Fascist era.

III. Bronzes

The bronze General Grant riding a bronze horse in Lincoln Park Shrivels in the sun by day when the motor cars whir by in long processions going somewhere to keep appointment for dinner and matinees and buying and selling

Though in the dusk and nightfall when high waves are piling On the slabs of the promenade along the lake shore near by I have seen the general dare the combers come closet And make to ride his bronze horse out into the hoofs and guns of the storm.

--Carl Sandburg

IV. Lincoln Park

When is a bone a body? Their bones, my bones. Lost babies, long lives lived, all left behind, stones struck down by fire or ever unmarked. A potter's field landscaped into my flesh. But ask not where you play above the dead, but where you do not-Washington Square has its share or ghosts. Philly, San Fran, in Paris, children pay admission to the home of the dead, parade above and through the catacombs. Why not let them run free amidst the dead? Those committed to this land. When is a bone a body? Of what selves is a city made? My body stretches towards and around the lake, fluidbefore I was dirt, rock, covered in etched stonesnow my body holds bodies at rest under the sun, bodies at play. A city in jov. What great city is not built on the dead? Everywhere a lost country surging beneath, in song, Grieve for those replanted elsewhere.

in Pompei ashes calcified round the void of marrow's rot-absence more body than these bones deep in my ground.

V.

Who loves a garden

Rebecca Morgan Frank

Who loves a garden, loves a greenhouse too.

Unconscious of a less propitious clime

There blooms exotic beauty, warm and snug, While the winds whistle and the snows descend.

William Cowper from The Task

VI. 1919

It was four o'clock Sunday afternoon, July 27, when Eugene Williams, seventeen-year-old Negro boy, was swimming offshore at the foot of Twenty-ninth Street. Williams, who had entered the water at the part used by Negroes, swam and drifted south into the part used by the whites. Immediately before his appearance there, white men, women, and children had been bathing in the vicinity and were on the beach in considerable numbers. Four Negroes walked through the group and into the water. White men summarily ordered them off.

Then began a series of attacks and retreats, counter-attacks, and stone-throwing Williams, who had remained in the water during the fracas, found a railroad tie and clung to it, stones meanwhile frequently striking the water near him. A white bov of about the same age swam toward him. As the white boy neared, Williams let go of the tie, took a few strokes. and went down.

Chicago Commission on Race Relations, 1922

VII. Douglas Park (pg. 73)

The sun kisses the ground

As shadows of footsteps race to the land of adventure

As young minds swing back and forth

With eves on a higher destination

The sky has no limit

And young bodies hold the courage to sprout wings

Hope creates the imagination

And imagination births dreams

For the playground

Is the stomping ground of doubt

And the stage of opportunity and freedom

As young soles stand on rocks

That are mountains and declare their greatness.

--Aniyah Orr Howard

Loveliest of trees, the cherry now Is hung with bloom along the bough, And stands about the woodland ride Wearing white for Eastertide. Now, of my threescore years and ten,

2024 FEATURED NOVA COMPOSER –

Eric Malmquist (b. 1985) writes earnestly heartfelt and engaging music. He draws on a deep love of early music and modern influences to produce works that are focused and emotional. He has been commissioned and performed by the Collaborative Arts Institute of Chicago, Baroque on Beaver Island, Chicago Composers Orchestra, the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, tubist Scott Tegge, historical keyboardist Charles Metz, historical flutist Leighann Daihl Ragusa, Chatter, Constellation Men’s Ensemble, the International Chamber Artists, the Newberry Consort and the Wicker Park Choral Singers.

For a full list of bios, please scan the QR code here .

ERIC MALMQUIST

COMMUNITY UPLIFT PARTNER

Constellation partners with other local nonprofits as part of our annual NOVA series to raise awareness and funding for impactful organizations to the Chicagoland community. Our Community Uplift program seeks to join the commissioning of new music directly to the community we serve. Since 2019, Constellation has partnered with Chicago House, Center On Halsted, Fostering Dignity, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Chicago, CASA Cook County, and The Alzheimer's Association of Illinois, making donations to each of the organizations following our fundraising efforts for these world premiere performances.

CHICAGO PARKS DISTRICT

Since its inception in 2013, Night Out in the Parks has provided thousands of hours of safe, diverse, and unique arts programming where artists and audiences can connect and celebrate Chicago’s rich cultural tapestry in neighborhood parks.

With generous support from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) as well as support from additional local funders, NOITP produces free cultural events annually in all 77 community areas of Chicago.

Through multiple disciplines: theater, music, movies, dance, site-specific work, nature programs, and community festivals, the Chicago Park District brings high-caliber performances and world-class cultural events into our parks.

Night Out in the Parks draws upon the expertise of community members and park staff, as well as arts programmers and cultural producers to curate work that reflects the lives and experiences of Chicago’s citizens. Collectively we strive to curate a season of partnerships that enhance quality of life across Chicago by amplifying artistic and cultural vibrancy in every neighborhood. Our programs aim to support artists, facilitate community-based partnerships and programs, cultivate civic engagement, and ensure equity in access to the arts for all Chicagoans.

chicagoparkdistrict.com

Constellation Men’s Ensemble is a Chicago-based vocal group dedicated to creating distinct performances in unique spaces, empowering the next generation of singers through educational engagement, and expanding the repertoire for men’s vocal music by commissioning new works from both emerging and established composers.

Since 2019, Constellation has partnered with other local nonprofits to raise awareness and funding for impactful organizations to the Chicagoland community through our Community Uplift program. Organizations to date include Chicago House, Center On Halsted, Boys & Girls Club of Metropolitan Chicago, CASA Cook County, Fostering Dignity, and the Alzheimer's Association of Illinois.

In 2016, CME founded our new music series NOVA “New. Original. Vocal. Art.” NOVA seeks to capitalize on their mission of commissioning new works and expanding the repertoire for tenor/bass voices. In 2022, NOVA V premiered works dealing with the theme of humanhood including our largest commission to date, Robert Maggio’s Man Up/Man Down, exploring how masculine identity takes shape in our evolving world; how our personal histories of family, race, religion, education, status, exposure, geography, etc. affect the formation of our identities. The album Man Up/Man Down was released on Constellation’s debut album last year with Sono Luminus Records.

CME has partnered with Music of the Baroque’s Strong Voices program to bring music and passion to students within Chicago Public Schools. Workshop performances focused on careers in music, the joy of community through singing, and the multitude of ways that music can remain a part of your life after high school. Pre-COVID, they toured New England and Maine, working with over 2,000 middle and high school students through their passion of connecting with the next generation of singers.

CME is the 2019 winner of the American Prize in Choral Performance, professional division.

tenors

Chuck Chandler, Matthew Cummings, James Judd, Ryan Townsend Strand

basses

Matthew Brennan, Conor Broaders, Ian Prichard, LaRob K. Rafael

2023-2024 SEASON SUPPORTERS

Anonymous • Anonymous • Anonymous • Anonymous

A.J. Keller • Aaron Ebata • Ace Gangoso • Alan Durand • Alex Berko

Alejandro Segura • Allison Cook • Amanda Lakin • Andrea Handley

Andrew Nogal • Angela Born • Anna Vandekerchove • Annie Gant

Annie Mitran & Matthew Brennan • Bailee Myers • Ben Brunnette

Benjamin Sprunger • Bonnie Bevers • Brenda & Phil Hockberger • Brian Israel

Carol Fujimoto • Caroline Shadle Carolyn Nowels • Carynn Olsen

Charles & Karin Gedge • Chris Kurka & Justin Broom • Christine B. Lang

Conor Broaders • Dan Lezotte • Dario Amador-Lage • David Braverman

David Lentz • Denny & Diane Roberts • Diane Monnich

Dominic German & Torie Palacios • Donna Su • Dr. Andrew Megill

Elena Hensel • Elizabeth Lee • Emma Brayndick • Elizabeth Lee

Fredi Bleeker Franks • G Thomas Lang

Geoffrey & Gabriel Bleeker Mudd • Greg & Mark Fosheim • Greg Terrell

Heidi Letzmann • Howard Bellerby Howard Eckdahl• Jack Reeder

James Conley • Jane Martin • Jeffrey Derus

Penn Peterson • Jennifer White Young • Jianghai Ho • Joanna Paul

John Bierbusse • John Concepcion • John Sagos • Jordan Aspiras

Joseph Lyons • Joseph Mark • Joseph Sakevich

Jeremy McElroy & Dave Beil • Joseph Vanderzee & Joshua Cooper

Julia & Marty Davids • Julie Griffin • Justin Sitron • Kathleen Lahouze

Kathy Montague • Keegan & Rachel Lamparek • Kenneth Rasinski

Kenny Stachovich • Kevin Wolfe • Kota Terrace • Laura Michelini

Lisa Atkinson • Lisa Lang • Lisa Monteleone • Louise Dimiceli-Mitran

Madeleine Woodworth • Margi Derks • Matthew Cummings

Matthew Serafin • Meredith Crews • Monica & Chuck Prewit

Mr. Gregory Brown • Michael & Lindsay Strand

P.J. & Ryan Strand-Prewit • Ms. Frances Kittrell

Ms. Chelsea Lyons & Janie Killips • Mx. Christopher Jensen

Nancy Lang • Neil Gilbert & Brian Tomko • Nicholas Ward • Nick May

Paolo Rosen • Patrick Volker • Paul Herman • Paul Mayer • Paul Shadle

Peter Schaktman • Phil Passen • Priya Khakhate • Quinn Middleman

Ryan O'Mealey • Sandra Malec • Sandy Metts • Sara Jones • Sarah Mejia

Sarah Pressly • Sean Justice • Silfredo Serrano • Steven Andes

Thomas Cummings • Thomas Franson • Tod Companion

Todd & Timothy Van Alstyne • Tom & Mary Cummings & Lang

Victoria Pool • William Bouvel & Fred Grier Yuchi Chiu • Zach Varela • Zean Chenr

We want to honor allouramazingdonors.Ifyouwouldlikeanychangesmade, pleasecontactgiving@constellationensemble.orgtoupdateyour information.

Constellation Men’s Ensemble is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, and donations are tax deductible as allowed by law.

To continue achieving our mission of distinct performances in unique spaces, please consider making a gift right from your seat or on your way home following the performance. Consider a monthly gift to CME!

We rely on the generosity of our community to achieve the level of creativity and musicianship you experienced tonight. Thank you for all that you do to support music in Chicago and beyond.