Stephen Alltop

Northwestern University Alumnaeu Continuing Education Series

 

Winter 2023 "Profiles in Music"

 

Dr. Stephen Alltop, Senior Lecturer in the Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music, will offer a wide-ranging contemplation on musical topics, from significant musicians such as Paganini and Maria Callas, to lectures that preview wonderful musical events scheduled at Northwestern. As always, a variety of performers and special guests will join Dr. Alltop to add their talents and insights.  

 

Tuesday afternoons, 12:45 - 2:45 p.m., Norris University Center 

 

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Stephen Alltop serves on the Conducting Faculty of the Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music, and as Director of Music at Alice Millar Chapel.  His other appointments include Music Director and Conductor of the Apollo Chorus of Chicago, Music Director and Conductor of the Champaign-Urbana Symphony Orchestra and the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra. In recent seasons he has coordinated the WFMT Bach Organ Project and Bach Keyboard Festival, collaborated with Chicago Opera Theater in productions featuring the Apollo Chorus, and done presentations on leadership for the Kellogg School of Management.

 

Named Illinois Council of Orchestras Conductor of the Year for 2021, Dr. Alltop has appeared as a harpsichord and organ soloist with numerous orchestras, including the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and as a guest conductor with ensembles across the United States, Europe and South Korea.  

 

Profiles in Music

 

Tuesday, January 3, 2023, 12:45-2:45 p.m.  McCormick Auditorium

Basilica of San Marco: Jewel of Venice

 

The basilica of San Marco is not only one of the most famous tourist destinations in Europe, it is one of the most important buildings in music history.  An impressive list of notable composers studied and worked there, including Giovanni Gabrieli, Claudio Monteverdi and Antonio Vivaldi. 

 

Tuesday, January 10, 2023, 12:45-2:45 p.m. McCormick Auditorium

William Byrd and Thomas Tallis: Divine Voices

 

Thomas Tallis and his protégé William Byrd dominated sacred choral music in England for almost a century.  In addition to the huge amounts of sublime music produced in their long lives, both composers were influenced by the struggles between Protestantism and Catholicism, and the vicissitudes of royal patronage.  

 

Tuesday, January 17, 2023, 12:45-2:45 p.m. Louis Room

Revisiting Jane Austen and Music

 

Stephen Alltop and Josefien Stoppelenburg share new insights into the prominent role that music played in the life of Jane Austen. The presentation will include composers favored by Austen, a beautiful new song by Stacy Garrop entitled “You Pierce My Heart,” inspired by Captain Wentworth’s letter in Persuasion, and a reprise of “The Battle of Prague.”  

 

Tuesday, January 24, 2023, 12:45-2:45 p.m. Louis Room

Niccolò Paganini:  Wonder of the Violin

 

Niccolò Paganini astounded audiences with an almost supernatural virtuosity.  Paganini cultivated an image of mystery and romance while elevating the art of violin playing to new heights

 

Tuesday, January 31, 2023, 12:45-2:45 p.m. McCormick Auditorium

Beethoven and Bonn: Birthplace of a Master

 

Drawing upon a recent visit to Beethoven’s birth house in Bonn, this presentation delves into the history and artifacts surrounding Beethoven’s life and music. 

 

Tuesday, February 7, 2023, 12:45-2:45 p.m.  McCormick Auditorium

Maria Callas: Extraordinary Diva 

 

The Greek-American soprano Maria Callas is regarded as one of the most important singers in opera history.  The most highly touted diva of her time, the life of Maria Callas was filled with musical pinnacles, public scandals, and personal dramas.  

 

Tuesday, February 21, 2023, 12:45-2:45 p.m. Louis Room

Magical Opera: Handel's Alcina

 

A musical and historical preview of the Bienen School’s Spring Opera production of George Frideric Handel’s Alcina. Based on a magical and intriguing plot, Alcina is renowned for its beautiful arias and scintillating instrumental music. 

 

Tuesday, February 28, 2023, 12:45-2:45 p.m. McCormick Auditorium

The Period Instrument Movement: Authenticity in Music

 

What is authenticity in music? When was the “period instrument” movement born, and what effect has it had on musical performance?  These stimulating questions will be the springboard for a lively and entertaining discussion. 

 

Tuesday, March 7, 2023, 12:45-2:45 p.m. McCormick Auditorium

Modern Conductors: Profiles in Leadership

 

Accomplished orchestral conductors offer a variety of models for the study of leadership. Adapting a presentation given to many business leaders and MBA students over the past ten years, Stephen Alltop will share insights into the ways conductors lead and inspire musicians and audiences.