Fifth House Ensemble

The Chicago-based Fifth House Ensemble is a versatile and dynamic group whose performances have been praised by critics as “a little slice of nobility” and “simply fun to hear.” Fifth House’s innovative programs engage audiences through their connective programming and unexpected performance venues.

Performances are aimed at highlighting relationships between classical music and art forms as diverse as film, dance, gourmet food, theater, winemaking and visual art, as well as creating new sounds through collaborations with artists of other music genres.

Recently named to the Illinois Arts Council’s Arts-in-Education Roster, Fifth House’s innovative educational endeavors have resulted in performances and residencies at Chicago public schools and the Chicago Cultural Center in partnership with the International Music Foundation, as well as performances at the Woodstock Opera House, Fremd Schaumburg and Stevenson High Schools. Programs are customized to the curriculum of each school, with the goals of promoting active listening skills and connecting music to a wide variety of subjects. This season’s residencies will be conducted at Chicago’s Mather High School, Burley Elementary School and Perez Elementary School, and will explore subjects including geology, poetry and multicultural influences in Western music.

Named Ensemble in Residence at Carthage College beginning in the Fall of 2009, Fifth House also frequently performs for college audiences, including workshops, residencies, and performances at Millikin University, Manchester College, Northwestern University, DePaul University, University of Illinois-Chicago and the University of Northern Iowa.