Northeastern Illinois University and Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater will host the Cardinal Bartolucci Foundation Choir from Rome at Northeastern Illinois University’s Auditorium, 3701 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., at 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 22.
For almost 50 years, Cardinal Domenico Bartolucci, choirmaster of the Sistine Chapel Choir, oversaw the music of the sacred liturgies of the successors of St. Peter. The choir established in his name now disseminates and promotes knowledge of the most celebrated composers of religious music from the Renaissance to present day.
This event marks one of the choir’s first performances in Chicago and will include a special tribute to Dame Libby Komaiko, late founder of the Ensemble Español. Dancers will accompany the choir for a unique performance of “Habanera” from Bizet's “Carmen.” With the patronage of the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music, the choir will also perform selections of sacred music, favorite Italian opera arias and an excerpt from Bartolucci's original opera, “Brunellesco.” The opera, written in celebration of Filippo Brunelleschi, who is known for building the Brunelleschi Dome in Florence, is set to debut in Italy in 2023.
“Northeastern Illinois University values diversity and multiculturalism,” Northeastern President Gloria J. Gibson said. “I am excited for our campus to host the Cardinal Bartolucci Foundation Choir, with a special performance by Ensemble Español. This is a wonderful way to celebrate our diversity through the arts.”
Don Rossi Nuccio, former Ensemble Español board member and executive director of the non-profit Latino Art Beat is responsible for bringing the groups together. Nuccio is also helping the choir plan the staging of “Brunellesco.”
“Many of the people who perform Spanish dance are Catholic,” Executive Director of Ensemble Español Jorge Perez said. “With this performance, we will be able to connect our art with our faith, honor our beloved founder, Dame Libby, and do so at our home, Northeastern Illinois University. We are honored to be able to be a part of this historic event.”
This engagement is courtesy of Northeastern Illinois University, Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater and Latino Art Beat.
Tickets
Northeastern Illinois University and Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater host the Cardinal Bartolucci Foundation Choir from Rome at Northeastern Illinois University’s Auditorium, 3701 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., at 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 22. The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are required as seating is limited. Masks will be required to be worn while on campus, per the University’s interim COVID-19 policy. Tickets are currently available to the public at www.neiu.edu/tickets, in person at the University’s Welcome Desk and Box Office or by calling (773) 442-4636.
About Northeastern Illinois University
Northeastern Illinois University offers more than 40 undergraduate degree and certificate programs and more than 50 graduate degree, certificate, licensure and endorsement programs. The Main Campus is located on 67 acres in an attractive residential area on the Northwest Side of Chicago. The University has additional locations in the metropolitan area, including the Jacob H. Carruthers Center for Inner City Studies, El Centro, and the University Center of Lake County.
About Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater
Ensemble Español, founded in 1976 by artistic director Dame Libby Komaiko, is the premiere Spanish dance company and center in the U.S. with a professional and unique residency at Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. Under the artistic direction of Irma Suarez Ruiz and executive leadership of Jorge Perez, the Ensemble continues its mission of preservation, presentation and promotion of Spanish dance and culture and includes exploration of Spain’s history in the Flamenco, Folkloric, Classical and Escuela Bolera styles and identifies its influence on Latin American art and dance in both traditional and contemporary formats.
About Latino Art Beat
Latino Art Beat is a national nonprofit arts organization, which recognizes heritage and culture through the talents of young visual artists. It operates through collaborations with the Mayor’s Office and regional Departments of Education in participating cities across the United States. It also works closely with its prestigious college and university partners. A visual arts competition with a film component is offered annually, awarding select winners scholarships to facilitate their higher education. Over the past 25 years, Latino Art Beat has awarded over $5 million in scholarship support.
