In November, Grammy Award–winning composer Alex Wurman returns to Oak Park to celebrate Heritage Chorale and honor one of its founding members, Norbert Teclaw, in 40th-anniversary concerts that aim to expand the boundaries of music.
The concerts – to be held Nov. 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church, 7300 W. Division St., River Forest, and Nov. 17 at 4 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 924 Lake St., Oak Park – recognize the legacy that Teclaw left to his students at Oak Park and River Forest High School and to Heritage Chorale, and testify to the power of live music and singing in community.
Wurman was born into a musical family. His father, Hans Wurman, was a classically trained composer and a pioneer in electronic music. His mother was a violin teacher much beloved by her students. His older siblings are all musicians, and it was they who first introduced Wurman to Teclaw, who would become a guiding force and influence in his successful and experimental musical career.
Teclaw, who died in 2018, taught in XP, the Experimental Program, which created space for OPRF students who thrived in a progressive approach to learning. The program and Teclaw’s teaching style gave a home to non-traditional learners. He applied the revolutionary concepts of architect and philosopher Buckminster Fuller – including Dymaxion homes and geodesic domes – to his teaching of geometry.
These ideas were especially compelling to Wurman’s brother Felix, who built a small geodesic dome in which Wurman spent hours playing as a child. Felix later built a much larger dome and, with it, toured the American Southwest and Europe with his chamber orchestra in a double-decker bus. The musicians erected the dome in parks and gave free concerts beneath its ceiling.
As Heritage Chorale was planning its 40th anniversary celebration, the board of directors looked for a special way to honor the choir’s history. A commissioned piece from Alex Wurman was one idea, and the board found Wurman very enthusiastic about the commission. His inspiration: to compose a piece honoring his former teacher.
Ingrid Schimnoski, a daughter of Teclaw’s and an avid supporter of Heritage, said the family is eager to hear the piece performed and is deeply grateful for Wurman’s choice of subject matter for this commissioned piece. In the tradition of experimentation, the piece takes inspiration from Teclaw’s love of hymns and pairs musical strains (classical and contemporary) with spoken narration.
Teclaw’s passion for teaching, his belief that life itself expresses both form and function, and his embrace of the idea of cosmic connection touched all who knew him. The choir is delighted to honor him during the world premiere of “Norb: Life as an Art Form.”
The public is invited to join Heritage Chorale in welcoming Alex Wurman back to Oak Park, where his and Heritage’s musical journey began. To learn more and purchase concert tickets, go to www.heritagechorale.com
About Heritage Chorale
Heritage Chorale, a community-based chamber choir, proudly celebrates its rich history and artistic legacy. Founded in 1984 by a group of experienced choral singers residing in Oak Park, the Chorale has become a cornerstone of our vibrant arts community. Led by dedicated artistic directors and accompanied by talented musicians, the Chorale has consistently delivered exceptional performances, captivating audiences with its diverse repertoire.