Jade Simmons has effectively revolutionized the University of Chicago. I don't think that anyone else could tell an all-white and Asian orchestra that they were playing "really white" and get away with it like she did. What she meant, of course, was that the musicians were stuck in the mode of trying to get the notes right, but were missing the rhythmic playfulness of what will be tonight's performance of Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini. But then again, there's no one quite like Jade.

Jade was invited to the University of Chicago by Director of Performance Programs, Barbara Schubert (great name for a female conductor/musician, right?), who perhaps unwittingly programmed one of the most revolutionary concerts the 107-year-old academic institution has probably ever seen ... as far as race-relations are concerned. Also on the program, hearin-impaired Beethoven and lesbian composer Jennifer Higdon, who had interesting things to say when asked whether her sexual orientation or gender played into her compositions. (Google it. It's everywhere.) Overcoming these so-called "hindrances" may be what this concert is all about. It's a topic Maestra Schubert (ahem, female conductor) knows something about.

Anyway, the UChicago community is buzzing about Jade.The campus paper recently published a story on Jade, which included her sister, Isis, a second-year student at the University. While some exhibit not-so-nice behavior (really, defacing posters is sooo juvenile), others see Jade's week-long residency as a way to forge the topic of race and classical music -- or simply racism. On Tuesday, December 1, the Center for the Study of Race, Politics, and Culture sponsored a discussion/lecture/performance featuring Jade, who disclosed information from her childhood (including a white man who told her that if the rest of her race was like her, the world would be a better place) and the dangers of elitism in classical music. Dispelling cultural myths about Blacks, Latinos, and Asians, Jade displayed humor and intelligence, never succumbing to conspiracy-theories about how classical music is trying to "keep the Black man down!"

Jade is one of the most personable artists to grace the UChicago campus. She speaks to students and seniors with the same respect that she deserves. In addition to being a masterful musician, she is an amazing human being. Tonight's concert is sure to be unforgettable.

Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 8 pm
Mandel Hall, 1131 E. 57th Street, Hyde Park

Jade Simmons, guest pianist
Barbara Schubert, conductor

Rachmaninoff's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini
Beethoven's Symphony No. 3, Eroica
Jennifer Higdon's SkyLine from City Scape

Read more about Jade on her website, jademedia.org.