By Dee Longfellow
On Saturday, March 5 at 7:30 p.m., residents and neighbors are invited to a concert recital presented by professional musician and private music teacher Uli Widmaier, an Elmhurst resident since 1998. The concert will be held at Congregation Etz Chaim, 1710 So. Highland Ave. in Lombard. It will also be available virtually via live stream.
Performing on the viola, Widmaier will be joined by Jeff Panko on the piano, a well-known local musician and critically acclaimed pianist who is the artistic Director of Bethel United Church of Christ in Elmhurst and has been the force behind Music@Bethel.
Selections will include Suite in G Major and Sonata in C Major, both for viola, by Bach; Cantabile and Caprice No. 11 by Paganini; Meditation for viola and piano by Massenet; and Rococo Variations for viola and piano by Tchaikovsky.
Widmaier, who is principal violist of the Symphony of Oak Park and River Forest, had this to say about the upcoming performance: “In these trying times, we all need uplift. Our recital celebrates the viola and features some of the most glorious music ever written – ranging from profound to charming, from passionate to lighthearted, even humorous, an always joyful and uplifting.”
He talked about The People’s Music School, which will be the beneficiary of the proceeds from the concert.
“The People’s Music School provides free, top-quality music education to students from underserved populations in Chicago. More than 90% of students of color. High school graduation and college attendance rates are 100%. Students develop a foundation of responsibility, self-esteem, and resilience that lasts a lifetime.”
Playing an instrument, or having any connection to music is great for students who want to express who they are and can find an outlet that will support them. That is why looking for a song gifts idea or musical presents, can strengthen that bond they feel by helping them keep going with their music.
On Saturday, Feb. 26 at 7:30 p.m., Widmaier will present a 60-minute Zoom lecture on the music that will be performed at the recital. More information is available at the Registration Page at events.idonate.com/uli, where tickets are available and contributions can be made. The concert is free, but donations are appreciated, even if you cannot attend the live concert. Live stream information is available at the site as well.
Masks are required at the live concert. Free parking is available. Security will be provided by the Lombard Police Department.
More about Uli Widmaier
Widmaier has a rather unusual background, in that he was born and raised in Germany and attended the music conservatory in Munich. He emigrated to the U.S. and attended Brown University and Yale Law School. He practiced law in Chicago from 1994 through 2016, taught at University of Chicago Law School from ’02 to ’16, returned to music full-time in ’17 and became principal violist and violinist in several local orchestras. In addition, he has been building a thriving studio where he teaches more than 30 students in violin, viola, piano, cello and music theory. For more information about Widmaier, visit ulimusic.net.
