Meet Harmonie North
We are thrilled to introduce you to Harmonie North, an ensemble of wind musicians who have a passion for chamber music.
Harmonie (a German term for wind ensemble) and Harmoniemusik became established at the beginning of the 18th Century, when aristocratic patrons employed wind musicians for background music at dinners and events. As one observer pointed out, “Out of doors [winds] sounded better than strings; indoors they could hold their own against the clatter of dishes.”
Originally, small groups of wind instruments would perform their own arranged music. However, as this genre became standard in the courts, notable composers began writing Harmoniemusik. Compositions became more sophisticated and the instrumentation became larger and more diversified. Harmonie North celebrates this classic literature and embraces more contemporary music scored for chamber winds. Our core ensemble is a double wind quintet.
Playing in a Harmonie ensemble is unique from that in a band or symphony. Every player has a unique part and each voice is pivotal. It requires careful attention to timing, balance, intonation, and musical expression. In addition, the level of technical skill required is very high, much like the demands of a concerto.
Harmonie North refers to the northern suburbs of Chicago, where our members reside and perform. We are a unique addition to the musical smorgasboard in Lake County and it is truly a pleasure for us to perform locally for friends, family, and neighbors.
We look forward to meeting you at our next performance.
Our Conductor
Michael Witt
Michael Witt is a conductor, teacher, and tubist originally from Plainfield, Illinois. He is a conducting graduate of Northwestern University and previously studied tuba performance and arts leadership at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. While in Rochester, Michael led the Eastman Tuba Mirum and has been a guest conductor for groups like the Rochester Music Educators Ensemble and Vancouver Brock House Orchestra.
He currently works as the band director for Martin Luther High School and leads the Lakeminister Ringers—a handbell ensemble in Lake Forest, Il. Aside from conducting, Michael has worked with a variety of non-profit music organizations, including ROCmusic as a brass instructor teaching brass methods to young students, as well as Empire Film and Media Ensemble as a production assistant to help program concerts, like Danny Elfman’s “Batman in Concert.” During his summers, Michael works as director for Waypoint Music—an organization he helped found to offer summer music opportunities based on chamber music for brass and string students. In his free time, Michael enjoys discovering local coffee shops, playing card games, and supporting the Chicago Cubs!
Jen Speer, bassoon
Delaney Hajek, horn
Leah Young, horn