Metropolis Oboe Quartet + Michelle Areyzaga / Ken Reif
October 6, 2021
October 8, 2021
October 10, 2021
Metropolis Oboe Quartet
Join longtime colleagues Deb Stevenson: oboe, Jaime Gorgojo, violin, Michael Lieberman: viola and Steven Houser: cello with guest artist soprano Michelle Areyzaga, for a journey through time! The quartet will choose works from all periods of music - making sure that there is something for everyone to enjoy. The highlight of the evening will be the world-premier performance of Lee Kesselman’s new work based on some of the composer's own poetry. This quartet has tirelessly searched the world for repertoire and are eager to share their extensive musical knowledge with their audience via playful conversations interspersed throughout the program. You will laugh, you will learn and you will love an evening with the Metropolis Oboe Quartet.
Ken Reif
I was born and raised in the south suburbs of Chicago, in South Holland Il. in 1957. Attended Thornwood High School, Chicago Academy of Fine Arts and Columbia College. As a child, camping vacations with my parents fostered an early interest in nature. My first recollections of artistic inclinations was an ability to copy the drawings of the artists at MAD magazine. I attended neighborhood art classes where I was introduced to oil painting. My classes at Thornwood High were geared towards a career in forestry which actually ties into the work I am doing now. I am also a musician. I played in various blues and rock bands for years. For years I waffled between music and painting. At the same time I was a house painter. I occasionally exhibited but at age 50 decided to concentrate my efforts on the visual arts. Gradually I became a full time artist. I joined several art organizations and did everything I could to get my work out there. I became involved with the Oak Park Art League, first as an artist member, later as a board member, exhibition committee chairperson and president of the board of directors. Currently I exhibit at The Leigh Gallery in Chicago, various businesses in the Oak Park area and the Burlington Art Center, Burlington Iowa. I also show my works at approximately 20 art fairs in Arizona, California and Illinois. I currently work out of my studio in Berwyn Il.
