Elaine Mitchener, th/e s/ou/nd be/t/ween (2024) All rights reserved, DACS. Courtesy of Elaine Mitchener

Extract from the score for Limpidités IV (2022) by Corie Rose Soumah. Courtesy of Corie Rose Soumah

Collage of text fragments from the composition From the Quarter to the (W)Hole: A Prelude (2024) by Christina Wheeler. Courtesy of Christina Wheeler

In ROBESOИ, Davóne Tines reimagines Paul Robeson’s musical repertoire as the soundtrack to a fever dream in a Moscow hotel room. In order to take on this expansive psychological and aesthetic space, Tines created a band called The Truth alongside bassist and sound artist Khari Lucas and pianist John Bitoy. The score is comprised exclusively of songs Robeson sang — across gospel, classical, Broadway, and folk music — but in new arrangements and interpretations that shape-shift and time-travel through styles and genres to fully explore the material’s connection to Tines’ own work and our time. The piece is conceived and staged by Zack Winokur and will be released as an album by Nonesuch Records.

Tines is joined by D-Composed, a Chicago-based creative incubator which acts as a bridge between the past and present to the future of representation, music-centered experiences, and the communal power of Black composers and their impact. Merging the worlds of contemporary music and classical, the ensemble also has collaborated with Jamila Woods during her appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert and with hip-hop artist Chance the Rapper.

Miguel Espinoza Fusion, the collective beating heart of world-class musicians Miguel Espinoza (guitar), Dianne Betkowski (cello), David Hinojosa (percussion), and Randy Hoepker (bass), invites the listener into a rich and colorful symposium of musical traditions. Firm roots in flamenco, classical, and jazz are woven through with North African rhythms, Celtic whimsy, and Brazilian expressions for a sound that is transformative, vibrant, and deeply emotive. Their fourth album, Gabriella (2023), features the collaborative efforts of two-time Grammy winner Howard Levy, as well as fellow two-time Grammy winner David Balakrishnan, of the Turtle Island Quartet. Their third album, Living in a Daydream (2022), again features extensive collaborations with Howard Levy.

Miguel Espinoza Fusion’s Fulton Street Collective debut, with violinist extraordinaire and Chicago local, Caitlin Edwards! We are looking forward to sharing our original and stirring music with old and new audiences alike! Call for tickets - 773-852-2481

AVERY YOUNG

Chicago Poet Laureate avery r. young is an interdisciplinary artist and teaching artist who has been an Arts and Public Life Artist-in-Residence at the University of Chicago, a 3Arts Awardee, and a Cave Canem fellow. In the foreword of his most recent book neckbone: visual verses (Northwestern University Press), Theaster Gates called him “one of our greatest living street poets” and “one of the most important thinkers on the Black experience.” Black Grooves referred to young’s most recent album tubman (FPE Records) as “brilliant” and “supremely funky.” young’s poems and essays have been published in Cecil McDonald's In The Company of Black, The BreakBeat Poets, The Golden Shovel Anthology: New Poems Honoring Gwendolyn Brooks, AIMPrint, and other anthologies. His album booker t. soltreyne: a race rekkid engages matters of race, gender, and sexuality in America during the Obama Era. young’s work in performance, visual text, and sound design has been featured in several exhibitions and theater festivals–notably The Hip Hop Theatre Festival, The Museum of Contemporary Art, and the American Jazz Museum. He is the featured vocalist on flutist Nicole Mitchell’s Mandorla Awakening (FPE Records), one of the directors of The Floating Museum, and a co-mentor for Rebirth Youth Poetry Ensemble. He performs with his band, de deacon board.

D-COMPOSED

D-Composed is a Chicago-based Black chamber music collective that celebrates Black culture and creativity through the music of Black composers.

We aim to make classical music experiences inclusive and reflective of the Black experience by intentionally creating experiences that meet our community where they are.

D–COMPOSED /DEE-KUHM-POHZD/ – ADVERB - Our creative process involves breaking down preconceived notions, barriers, and opinions of what people think classical music should be to re-writing our narrative to reflect what the classical world could be.

Centenary Anniversary of James Baldwin’s Birth (born August 2, 1924)

This program is a special collaboration with Hyde Park Art Center to honor the 100th anniversary of author James Baldwin’s birth. Baldwin was deeply connected to jazz and Black music. This anniversary is concurrent with Hyde Park Art Center’s exhibition by Chicago artist, Robert Earl Paige titled “The United Colors of Robert Earl Paige”.

NOT DEATH BUT DISSIPATION is a new project from Deidre Huckabay, who is romantically in love with time. All love assures one is vulnerable to loss. In these new tunes, we begin to grieve time in advance.

The ensemble will include Caitlin Edwards, Hunter Diamond, Lia Kohl, Ben Melsky, and Sam Scranton. There will be an opening performance from Corey Smith.

$15 / $10 w/ Student ID - Tickets Available at the Door

Paul Robeson: Man of the People is a new jazz poetry opera chronicling the life, artistic legacy, and activism of the most important and iconic figure of the twentieth century. This live, multimedia presentation explores the life, creative ethos, and inclusive social vision of concert artist, stage and film actor, athlete, and activist, Paul Robeson. Educator and civil rights leader Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune referred to Mr. Robeson as “the tallest tree in our forest.”

Co-created by librettist Lasana D. Kazembe and composer Ernest Dawkins, Paul Robeson: Man of the People will have its Chicago premiere on Friday, June 7, 2024, from 6-7:30 pm at Hamilton Park District, 513 W 72nd St, Chicago. Admission is free, with no reservation or ticket required. This will be the work’s second performance, after an earlier performance in Indianapolis on May 31, 2024.

The production serves to introduce contemporary audiences to the art, creative legacy, and social justice activism of Mr. Robeson via creative interpretation and artistic engagement with his musicianship, stagecraft, intellectual spirit, writings, political speeches, and his tireless global activism. Mr. Robeson’s epic life story is rendered in a multimedia stage production that features original poetry, operatic storysong, a jazz/blues-infused original score, dramatic narration, video animation, and live visual art.

Join us Thursday, Sept. 19 at The Stony Island Arts Bank for a special program with legendary violinist Caitlin Edwards (@violinistcaite).

After a special solo performance, Caitlin and pianist Sharon Udoh (@counterfeitmadison) will have a conversation about her rigorous training, her approach to collaboration, and Black classical music musicianship.

Dal Niente teams up with Chicago-based Black chamber music collective, D-Composed, for a free evening of music at the Beverly Arts Center. This is the fourth in a series of shared programs between Dal Niente and other respected Chicago artists, supported by a DCASE Chicago Artists Recovery Program Grant. This will be the first appearance by all of these artists at the Beverly Arts Center, a multifaceted not-for-profit arts organization showcasing dance, visual arts, music, film and theater on Chicago's South Side.

Set I: Ensemble Dal Niente

Roscoe Mitchell, Cards (2021) for oboe, bassoon, viola, cello, piano

Tania Leon, Mosaicos (2022) for bassoon and piano

Jessie Cox, At[ou]M (2021) for solo oboe

Roscoe Mitchell, Cards (2021) for viola, cello

Set II: D-Composed

Works to be announced

Dal Niente Performers:

Andrew Nogal, Oboe

Ben Roidl-Ward, Bassoon

Ammie Brod, Viola

Juan Horie, Cello

Winston Choi, Piano

D-Composed Performers:

Caitlin Edwards, Violin

Khelsey Zarraga, Violin

Wilfred Farquharson, Viola

Tahirah Whittington, Cello

Through storytelling, movement, singing, and playful audience participation, you’ll be inspired to reimagine the traditional American lawn as a natural habitat where pollinators and native flowers are the thriving showstoppers. The performance was inspired by conversations between the artist and Garden conservation scientist Rebecca Barak, Ph.D. and others who are testing options beyond turfgrass for lawns.

Solo keyboard interpretations of

𝑭𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒍𝒚 𝑨𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈

𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑫𝒊𝒗𝒊𝒏𝒆 𝑺𝒑𝒊𝒓𝒊𝒕 𝑶𝒇 𝑭𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒐𝒎

𝑭𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝑯𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝑶𝒏 𝑶𝒖𝒕

w/ 𝗖𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗻 𝗘𝗱𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀

Improvisations, Selections from 𝑬𝒙𝒉𝒂𝒍𝒆, and more

+ 𝗗𝗝 𝘀𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗯𝘆:

King Hippo and Leja Hazer

𝗦𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭

The California Clipper

1002 N California Ave

𝟴𝗣𝗠- 𝟭𝗔𝗠 | 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘

Whitney Houston’s astounding musical legacy in new, original orchestrations with Chicago Philharmonic

Ravinia Festival hosts the world premiere of The Voice of Whitney: A Symphonic Celebration, an original tribute concert celebrating the “most awarded female artist of all time” (Guinness World Records), Whitney Houston. This dynamic production celebrates the singer’s astounding musical legacy with new, original orchestrations of her sweeping catalog performed by Chicago Philharmonic. From her legendary Super Bowl XXV performance of “The Star Spangled Banner” to timeless hits “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” “Higher Love,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “How Will I Know,” among many others, audiences will be immersed in the world of Whitney as the evening weaves through her iconic songbook, film performances, intimate home videos, and rare never-before-seen photos and footage.

“We are thrilled to debut The Voice of Whitney at the Ravinia Festival. This venue is steeped in great music, history, and culture,” says Pat Houston, Executor of The Estate of Whitney E. Houston, about the inspiration behind the landmark project. “Whitney would have been excited to have her music performed with the acclaimed Chicago Philharmonic. Whitney loved the Chicago metropolitan area; it held a special place in her heart throughout her career. This concert event will be a perfect setting to further demonstrate Whitney’s virtuosity as a world-class artist. More importantly, her voice will continue to spread love and joy throughout the world.”

Chicago Jazz Philharmonic, under the direction of Emmy Award winning composer Orbert Davis, proudly announces the return of "Through Ella's Eyes," a vibrant tribute to the irreplaceable Ella Fitzgerald in celebration of her 107th birth anniversary. This one-night-only event marks the second performance of "Through Ella’s Eyes.” The 45-piece orchestra will once again bring Ella's timeless music to life at the Logan Center for the Arts.

Artistic Director Orbert Davis reflects on Ella's enduring legacy: "Ella continues to deserve recognition. She’s one of the few singers who transformed the link between swing and bebop. In fact, Ella was bebop. Ella's voice was not merely an instrument, it was a rare force of nature that many jazz legends aspired to emulate.” Experience the magic of Ella Fitzgerald's music like never before! Witness Ella herself accompanied by the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic orchestra in a special performance of "Angel Eyes." In partnership with the Ella Fitzgerald Foundation, CJP will take you on a journey with a glimpse of the world through Ella's eyes including a special conversation and multimedia giving a behind the scenes look of Ella's life. "Through Ella's Eyes" is a testament to the First Lady of Song's unparalleled influence on the world of jazz and beyond.

Through storytelling, movement, singing, and playful audience participation, you’ll be inspired to reimagine the traditional American lawn as a natural habitat where pollinators and native flowers are the thriving showstoppers. The performance was inspired by conversations between the artist and Garden conservation scientist Rebecca Barak, Ph.D. and others who are testing options beyond turfgrass for lawns.

Composer and media artist Pamela Z and D-Composed, the Chicago-based chamber music collective that honors Black creativity and culture, perform music by Pamela Z and the Grammy-nominated composer, flutist, and vocalist Nathalie Joachim. Featuring the world premiere of a new version of Joachim’s “In Between”, written for D-Composed and Pamela Z.

Caitlin will perform Violin Concerto No. 1 Op. 2 by Chevalier de Saint Georges with the Accelerando Strings ensemble of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras.

The Sphinx Virtuosi—the flagship ensemble of the Sphinx Organization, dedicated to transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts—shares the stage with the Minnesota Orchestra in a program featuring Carlos Simon’s meditative Breathe and Angélica Negrón’s immersive Marejada.

The Sphinx Virtuosi—the flagship ensemble of the Sphinx Organization, dedicated to transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts—shares the stage with the Minnesota Orchestra in a program featuring Carlos Simon’s meditative Breathe and Angélica Negrón’s immersive Marejada.

The Sphinx Virtuosi—the flagship ensemble of the Sphinx Organization, dedicated to transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts—shares the stage with the Minnesota Orchestra in a program featuring Carlos Simon’s meditative Breathe and Angélica Negrón’s immersive Marejada.

The Sphinx Competition, held every year in Detroit (MI), is a national competition offering young Black and Latinx classical string players a chance to compete under the guidance of an internationally renowned panel of judges and to perform with and receive mentorship from established professional musicians. Finalists in the Senior division have the opportunity to perform with the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra and compete for nearly $100,000 in prizes, including the top Robert Frederick Smith Prize. Audience choice awards are an exciting highlight, as those in attendance cast their votes by text and select a winner in each division. Under the direction of Joseph Young, the Sphinx Symphony Orchestra will also perform the world premiere of Habari Gani for Orchestra by composer and cellist Quenton Blache.

DRAMA, or the band formerly known as 'Drama Duo', is the Chicago-based musical act composed of singer Via Rosa and project producer Na'el Shehade. Blending soulful lyrics with highly danceable beats, DRAMA's music is a true collaboration between the two artists.

A concert for all ages honoring Martin Luther King Jr. and celebrating his inspiring message.

Caitlin will be soloing with the Richmond Symphony, performing “Dreams of Hope” by Dr. Henry Panion.

To celebrate the 150th Anniversary of The Chicago Public Library, we're going on a mini library tour where you can hear us perform the works of Black composers that you can learn about courtesy of your local library.

Plus, we'll introduce you to some composers you should have on your radar and who may be future history makers that you can discover and learn about.

Each event is free and open to the public and for all ages. See you there!