At 8:30 AM with Jan Weller and 6 PM with Candice Agree every day October 5 – 9 98.7WFMT salutes Camerata Chicago. Various favorite recordings Camerata Chicago has produced over the last few years will be aired.
The newsletter stated incorrectly that the evening salute was at 6:30 pm but it is at 6pm.
Camerata Chicago is delighted to announce the appointment of violinist Eric Gratz as guest concertmaster for the 2026-2027 season. He succeeds concertmaster Mathias Tacke, who retired at the end of the 2025-2026 season after serving 18 years with us. Mathias’s leadership elevated every performance, inspiring both musicians and audiences alike.
Gratz, an international prize-winning violinist, is artistic director of the American Chamber Music Society in Chicago. He previously served for nine seasons as concertmaster of the San Antonio Symphony. As both soloist and concertmaster, he has appeared with more than two dozen orchestras, including those of Cleveland, Louisiana, Phoenix, San Antonio, Tucson, Santa Fe Opera and the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra.
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Tony Payne as Composer-in-Residence at Camerata Chicago!
Dr. and Mrs. Payne at our Benefit Concert, Reception and Dinner on September 14, 2024
Dr. Tony Payne, was until July 2024 Associate Professor of Music, Director of Arts Events Management and General Manager of the highly successful Wheaton College Artist Series for 45 years, bringing some of the world’s greatest performing artists to the Wheaton College campus, including the Camerata Chicago Chamber Orchestra.
Prof. Payne has also been involved with the founding of Wheaton’s Arts4Ministry program and engages widely in music for Christian worship from Evangelical and Protestant to Roman Catholic and Russian Orthodox. He was Minister of Music at First Baptist Church, Wheaton from 1993-2013, and organist at Wheaton Bible Church since 2018.
He holds degrees in music composition from Wheaton College, Bowling Green State University, and a Doctor of Music degree in composition from Northwestern University School of Music.
Dr. Tony Payne, Composer-in-Residence
His earliest compositions were inspired by his participation in the Bedford band program with David Tolly, Leonard Salvo and his dear friend, Paul Stanifer, the Bedford choir program with C. David Parker, also the music program of First Baptist Church, Temperance. He served the church in various ways, particularly under the ministry of his lifelong friend Dr. Robert Wisehart, and of Pauline Tolly (Bedford Alliance Church) and her mother, organist Elizabeth Williams. On Saturday mornings, he pestered Mrs.
Williams with questions about the organ during her rehearsal time, so much so that she sometimes struggled to be patient! Among all of these mentors, Tony found the inspiration to pursue a career and a life in music. After his advanced degrees, he returned to his alma mater, Wheaton College and has used that treasured assignment as a springboard to countless opportunities around the world from Auckland, New Zealand to Moscow, Russia.
At Wheaton, Tony Payne taught arranging, orchestration, electronic music and composition during his long tenure at the College’s Conservatory of Music. He has also served the Wheaton College Chapel Program as pianist, organist and worship leader on countless occasions. As a lifelong contributor to Christian worship, he has composed and published over 100 psalms, hymns and spiritual songs that are available in a spiral-bound book form.
Dr. Tony Payne Photo Credit Kayla Smith
It is with both gratitude and sadness that we announce the retirement of our esteemed concertmaster, violinist Mathias Tacke. Mathias has been at the heart of our orchestra for eighteen years, contributing his leadership, artistry, wisdom and unwavering dedication.
His leadership has elevated every performance, inspiring both musicians and audiences alike. As he prepares to step down, we reflect on the countless memorable moments he has given us — each note shaped by his refined technique and profound musical insight.
Internationally recognized for his artistry, Mathias served as second violinist of the renowned Vermeer Quartet for fifteen years, performing on major stages across Europe, Asia and the United States. His extensive discography and chamber music collaborations have earned critical acclaim, and his teaching career at institutions such as Northern Illinois University has shaped countless young musicians.
After years of extraordinary artistry and leadership, Mathias will take the stage for his final performances with us on May 1 – 2, marking the culmination of a truly distinguished career.
These concerts promise to be a celebration of his legacy, featuring a repertoire close to his heart. The energy, passion and elegance he brings to every performance will be deeply missed, but his influence will remain as a guiding force for years to come. We invite you to join us in honoring Mathias as he takes the stage one last time as our concertmaster.
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