Macomb, Illinois — The Western Illinois Museum, in partnership with the WIU Community Music School (CMS), is pleased to present an afternoon of live music by the Camerata Nova Quintet and Sans Chalumeau on Sunday, May 10, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm. Presented as part of the Museum’s “Music on Our Front Porch” series, the event celebrates local-musicmaking and lifelong learning across experience levels, from WIU faculty to community members in CMS’s adult chamber program. A $5 donation is suggested at the door.

In addition to live performances, there will be interactive opportunities for visitors of all ages, including music-themed crafts, opportunities to hear about the composers, and demonstrations that provide insight into how the music comes together, from its conception to rehearsal to performance.

Come and enjoy a screen-free gathering that brings together people of all ages to hear live music in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Be more present and experience the joy of a collective musical experience from our community members who are dedicated to lifelong learning through the arts.

Schedule

Available throughout the afternoon: WIU Community Music School will offer a music-themed hands-on craft for all ages.

1:30 pm: Sans Chalumeau, a community chamber group
1:45 pm: Camerata Nova Quintet
This program is funded in part by grants from the Illinois Arts Council.

For more information, call 309-837-2750, text 309-837-2613, or email info@wimuseum.org.

The Museum is located at 201 S. Lafayette Street, one block south of Macomb’s Courthouse Square. The building is fully accessible and free accessible parking is available.

 
About the Camerata Nova Quintet

Camerata Nova is dedicated to the creation and performance of new music and to expanding the growing body of repertoire for the Contemporary Woodwind Quintet. Formed in 2023 by the woodwind faculty at Western Illinois University, the ensemble replaces the traditional horn with saxophone, creating a flexible, modern sound world that showcases the colors of flute, oboe, clarinet, saxophone, and bassoon. Recent commissions and premieres include works by Katherine Pukinskis, Matt Mason, Hong-Da Chin, Paul Berlinsky, John Mindeman, and James Caldwell. These collaborations reflect the ensemble’s commitment to exploring new timbres, broadening the expressive potential of the quintet, and supporting innovative voices in contemporary composition. Camerata Nova has received multiple awards for its commissioning efforts, including an International Double Reed Society “50 for 50” Commissioning Grant. Through continuous partnerships with composers and arts organizations, the ensemble brings renewed energy to woodwind chamber music while contributing meaningful additions to this emerging instrumentation’s repertoire. For more information visit https://www.wiu.edu/cofac/camerata_nova/

About the WIU Community Music School
The WIU Community Music School connects the local community through accessible, high-quality instruction to individuals of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds. CMS provides opportunities based on the belief that music is a vital part of a thriving community and everyone has the potential to engage in meaningful musical expression. Through inclusive educational experiences and diverse performance opportunities, it enriches lives and fosters cultural growth throughout the Western Illinois region.

 
Media Contacts:
Sue Scott, Western Illinois Museum
Phone: 309-837-2750, Text: 309-837-2613
Email: info@wimuseum.org
Website: wimuseum.org
Social Media: @wimuseum