Picosa’s winter concerts present works that celebrate American culture in dance and music. Augusta Read Thomas’ Scat was created for and premiered by Picosa in 2015 in its current version which includes clarinet rather than viola. Performing Scat feels like an interesting musical conundrum as Picosa’s musicians interpret how to perform an instrumental piece that imitates this iconic American vocal jazz form (scat) that imitates instrumental music. Paul Schoenfield takes us on a journey through popular American dance forms (Charleston, Rag, and Jig) of the 20th century and earlier in his three movement Sonatina. We move to a more lyrical side of American music in the works of romantic composer Amy Beach and contemporary composer Peter Schickele, who’s best known for his comedic alter-ego PDQ Bach. Finally, the program closes with two high energy, virtuosic works in Elliot Carter’s Esprit Rude for flute and clarinet and University of Illinois-Chicago Associate Professor of Music Marc Mellits’ Spam for full ensemble.

Join a lively “meet the musicians” gourmet dessert reception after the program.