Nova Linea Musica Season 2 Finale – “Blooming Under Blue Skies” Frank Meccia

Everything changed when Grgić was joined by violinist Desirée Ruhstrat and cellist Wendy Sutton. The combination of guitar, violin, and cello created a rich and engaging musical landscape that immediately drew me in. Their performance demonstrated not only technical excellence but also a wonderful sense of collaboration.

Yet the true star of the evening, at least for me, was Chicago native Rabia Brooke. Brooke performs on the 1731 Lady Jeanne violin crafted by Antonio Stradivari. To put that into perspective, this extraordinary instrument is older than the United States itself, which will celebrate its 250th anniversary next month. Brooke’s artistry was mesmerizing, and her performance alone was worth attending the concert.

The evening also featured the world premiere of The Portals, a newly commissioned work by Hakkı Cengiz Eren. While I appreciated the opportunity to hear a new composition, it did not leave a lasting impression on me after the concert ended. By contrast, the music of Astor Piazzolla was magnificent. His Histoire du Tango proved to be one of the highlights of the evening, full of energy, passion, and memorable melodies.

Overall, Blooming Under Blue Skies was a wonderful conclusion to Nova Linea Musica’s season. Perhaps with more exposure to contemporary chamber music, I will develop a deeper appreciation for some of the newer works that challenge traditional musical expectations.

After the concert, I attended the reception and spoke with several longtime supporters of Nova Linea Musica. Many have attended for years and were enthusiastic about the evening’s program. Their passion for the organization and its mission was evident.

If you are looking for something different in Chicago’s cultural landscape, I encourage you to give Nova Linea Musica a try. Performances take place at 11 East Adams Street in the historic Federal Building, and I was pleasantly surprised by how easy parking was in the area.

Nova Linea Musica’s 2026-27 season begins on September 30, 2026, with a performance by the Jack Quartet. Based on this experience, I look forward to seeing what discoveries await next season. Visit www.novalineamusica.org.