Chicago-based Wrack is both a chamber ensemble with a highly unusual instrumentation and a book of compositions tailor-made for the musical personalities of its members. While the compositions’ melodic and contrapuntal content is reminiscent of European classical modernism, the open structures, improvisational procedures and energetic performances are heavily indebted to the innovations of the African-American Creative Music tradition. Wrack is led by Kyle Bruckmann (oboe) and features Jason Stein (bass clarinet), Darren Johnston (trumpet), Jeb Bishop (trombone), Tim Daisy (drums), Jen Clare Paulson (viola), Anton Hatwich (bass).

There will be an opening performance by the Vinny Golia Saxophone Ensemble, which is Vinny Golia, Gavin Templeton and Jon Armstrong. The Vinny Golia Saxophone Ensemble consists of the basic, soprano, alto, tenor, and baritone configuration augmented with various extensions of the saxophone family. The ensemble’s size varies as does it’s focus on specific, neglected, or unexplored members of the saxophone family such as the Soprillo, Saxello, F Mezzo Soprano, G Soprano, Bass and Contrabass Saxophones.