Illinois State University proudly announces its role as the fourth and final host institution in the prestigious Music Unwound consortium, facilitating a groundbreaking festival that commemorates the remarkable 150-year legacy of the celebrated American composer Charles Ives (1874-1954). Recognized as one of the pioneering composers from the United States to gain international acclaim, Ives masterfully wove a rich tapestry of diverse American sounds and traditions into the fabric of European classical music. The Illinois segment of the Charles Ives Sesquicentennial Festival, graciously funded by the National Endowment of the Humanities (NEH), is set to unfold over the course of three vibrant days from February 19 to 21, 2025. This event promises a variety of free programs aimed at students and the general public, all designed to illuminate the profound connections between music and the wider humanities.
The upcoming festival at Illinois State exemplifies the deep relationship between history and music, highlighted by a fruitful two-decade collaboration between Alan Lessoff, an urban historian and Professor of History, and Joseph Horowitz, a New York-based impresario and cultural historian who also directs Music Unwound. Together with esteemed Indiana University musicologist Peter Burkholder, Horowitz will facilitate enriching discussions during Illinois State’s dedicated festival segment. Additionally, the festival will feature acclaimed performers of Ives’s music, including pianist Steven Mayer from the University of Denver’s Lamont School of Music and baritone Sidney Outlaw from the Manhattan School of Music. These exceptional guest musicians will not only deliver public performances but will also conduct master classes with the talented piano and voice students of Illinois State.
“Ives filled his music with endless references to the Gilded Age New England that shaped him in addition to American history, culture, politics, literature, and thought,” stated Lessoff. “He’s a great character for making vivid to people nowadays music’s formative place in modern American creative and intellectual life. We’re hoping to draw people for the music and for the ideas it raises.”
The Illinois State festival stop is a collaborative initiative involving the School of Music and the Department of History, with contributions from the School of Theatre, Dance, and Film. Support comes from the College of Arts and Sciences and the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts, all coming together to enrich this cultural experience. Illinois State’s extensive programs in music education and history education played a crucial role in attracting Music Unwound to the University, complemented by the vibrant public engagement that embodies Illinois State’s arts initiatives. Partnering with the Chicago Sinfonietta, the festival will also provide free tickets and transportation for Illinois State students who wish to attend a special concert at the University of Chicago’s Mandel Hall on February 22. For complete festival details, including public events and exclusive offerings for Illinois State students, visit https://about.illinoisstate.edu/ivesfestival/. Previous stops of the NEH/Music Unwound Ives Sesquicentennial Festival have included the Brevard, North Carolina Music Festival (July 15, 2024), Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music (September 30 to October 8, 2024), and Bard College in New York, which also included performances at Carnegie Hall (October 9-21, 2024).
### Interview with Alan Lessoff, Professor of History and Co-Organizer of the Charles Ives Sesquicentennial Festival
**Editor:** Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Alan Lessoff, renowned urban historian and Professor of History at Illinois State University. Alan, can you tell us more about the significance of the upcoming Charles Ives Sesquicentennial Festival at Illinois State?
**Alan Lessoff:** Absolutely, and thank you for having me! The festival is a momentous occasion as it celebrates the 150-year legacy of Charles Ives, one of America’s most innovative composers. This festival emphasizes not only his musical achievements but also how deeply intertwined his works are with American history and culture. Ives has a remarkable ability to capture the spirit of Gilded Age New England, which resonates with numerous aspects of American life that are still relevant today.
**Editor:** What motivated Illinois State University to host this segment of the festival, and what can attendees expect over the three days?
**Alan Lessoff:** Our collaboration with the Music Unwound consortium was driven by a shared commitment to highlight the intersections of music and the humanities. Attendees can expect an enriching experience featuring free public programs, including performances by notable musicians such as pianist Steven Mayer and baritone Sidney Outlaw. Beyond the music, we will engage in thoughtful discussions that connect Ives’s works with broader themes in American history, culture, and intellectual thought.
**Editor:** It’s wonderful to hear about the range of events planned. Could you share a bit about your collaboration with Joseph Horowitz and Peter Burkholder for this festival?
**Alan Lessoff:** Working with Joseph Horowitz, who is passionate about connecting music and cultural history, has been an incredible experience. Together, we aim to shed light on Ives’s significance in the American narrative. Peter Burkholder’s expertise in Ives’s music adds a depth to our discussions, ensuring that we aptly contextualize the performances. We hope to foster a deeper understanding of how Ives’s music reflects our collective identity and history.
**Editor:** It sounds like a truly transformative experience for all involved! How do you see the festival impacting the local community and attending students?
**Alan Lessoff:** Our goal is to create an inviting atmosphere that draws students and community members together, encouraging them to explore the rich connections between music and the humanities. We hope that attendees will leave with a sense of appreciation for Ives’s work and a greater understanding of the cultural narratives that shape us. Ultimately, we aim to inspire future generations to engage with music as a vital element of creative and intellectual life.
**Editor:** Thank you, Alan, for sharing your insights! We look forward to the festival and the fantastic discussions it promises to generate.
**Alan Lessoff:** Thank you for your interest! We can’t wait to welcome everyone to this celebratory event.
