Jonathan Woody in Concert

Tuesday, March 4, 2025 7-8 PM
Kehrein Center for the Arts
5628 West Washington St, Chicago, IL 60644

Have you heard of Charles Ignatius Sancho? Learn about this fascinating historical figure and get to know bass-baritone Jonathan Woody as Music of the Baroque returns to the Kehrein Center for the Arts in Chicago's Austin neighborhood for Jonathan Woody in Concert.

One of America's most intriguing and thoughtful singers, Woody performs a program he's crafted around the life and music of Charles Ignatius Sancho, an 18th-century writer, composer, abolitionist, and business owner who was the first Black man to vote in Britain. Also featured are songs by other 17th- and 18th-century composers, Woody's own music inspired by Sancho, and more, all accompanied by members of the Music of the Baroque Orchestra.

Music of the Baroque is proud to partner with Austin-based business Sweetest Redemption to offer every concert attendee a complimentary dessert roll.

Admission is free; please register in advance so supplies can be determined. Click here to register

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Bass-Baritone Jonathan Woody

Previously at the Kehrein

Classical Creatures at the Kehrein, April 2024

The animal kingdom came alive through charming, short works for orchestra. Dogs barked in “Spring” from Vivaldi's famous Four Seasons. Crickets chirped in Telemann’s unusual Cricket Symphony, and frogs ribbited in an exciting work for solo violin and orchestra called The Frogs. Lincoln Park Zoo staff led an interactive game about bird songs while the flute imitated a bird in Vivaldi’s Goldfinch Concerto. Nicholas Kraemer directed the Music of the Baroque Orchestra, and 98.7FM/WFMT Music Director Oliver Camacho hosted this casual, fun evening.

Vivaldi in Austin, October 2023

Ordained as a priest, Italian composer Antonio Vivaldi spent most of his life working at an orphanage for girls called the Pietà. Life in the orphanage included an excellent education in music the young woman would not otherwise have had, and Vivaldi wrote pieces for them that showed off their unique musical talents. The Music of the Baroque Orchestra performed some of his music, discussed his life, and some features that make his artistry unique.

Reginald Mobley in Concert & Conversation, November 2022

Prior to our "Reginald Mobley Sings" concerts during the 2022-23 season, Reggie performed a range of repertoire, from music by Purcell and Handel, to spirituals, and beyond. One of the evening's highlights was Reggie's rendition of "Deep River," arranged by Moses Hogan:

The Chevalier, February 2021

In partnership with the Kehrein Center for the Arts, Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association, North Shore Center for the Arts, and Concert Theatre Works, we presented the Midwest premiere of The Chevalier, a concert-theater work about the life and music of 18th-century Black composer Joseph Bologne, also known as The Chevalier de Saint-Georges.