Eighth Blackbird

Eighth Blackbird is one of the smartest, most dynamic contemporary classical ensembles on the planet (Chicago Tribune). Launched by six entrepreneurial Oberlin Conservatory undergraduates in 1996, this Chicago-based super-group has earned its status as a brand-namedefined by adventure, vibrancy and quality.known for performing from memory, employing choreography and collaborations with theater artists, lighting designers and even puppetry artists (Detroit Free Press). Eighth Blackbirds missionmoving music forward through innovative performance, advocating for new music by living composers, and creating a legacy of guiding an emerging generation of musicians extends beyond recording and touring to curation and education. A long-term relationship with Chicagos Cedille Records has produced eight acclaimed recordings and four Grammy Awards for Best Small Ensemble/Chamber Music Performance, most recently in 2016 for Filament. They were named Musical Americas 2017 Ensemble of the Year, and in 2016 were the inaugural recipients of Chamber Music Americas Visionary Award and the prestigious MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions. In 2017, Eighth Blackbird launched its boldest initiative yet with the creation of Blackbird Creative Laboratory, a tuition-free, two-week summer workshop and performance festival for performers and composers in Ojai, CA. Eighth Blackbirds 2017-18 season marks debuts in Turin, Milan, Budapest, with the Philadelphia Orchestra and Cincinnati Ballet, tours through 11 states, and the release of Olagón on 11/10/2017 a new album featuring music by Dan Trueman, poetry by Paul Muldoon, and sean nós singer Iarla Ó Lionáird. Their 2018 Blackbird Gala will be hosted on Tuesday, May 15 at The Ivy Room in the former Tree Studios. If you are interested in sponsorship email Deirdre Harrison at development@eighthblackbird.org.