Power. Grace. Purpose. Lit from within.
Chicago Sinfonietta ignites the stage with an empowered tribute to women who break molds, blaze trails, and rise—again and again. Conducted by Mei-Ann Chen, this Women’s History Month concert honors the strength, creativity, and cultural legacy of women past and present.
Overview
Chicago’s own Deeply Rooted Dance Theater joins us in an unstoppable collaboration, bringing Florence Price’s vibrant Dances in the Canebrakes to life through original choreography—honoring the first Black woman to have her music performed by a major American orchestra.
We also premiere a radiant new work by Shirley J. Thompson, the visionary British composer who made history as the first woman and first person of color to compose for a British royal coronation.
This female-driven program also features music by Viennese composer Marianna Martines, a pianist and contemporary of Mozart, and includes Amy Beach’s melodious Gaelic Symphony, the first symphony composed and published by an American woman.
More than a concert—it’s a movement. Join us as we honor the fierce voices that refuse to be silenced.
TAKE THE JOURNEY. get your tickets today.
Schedule
| Date | Time | Venue | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, March 6, 2026 | 7:00 PM | Wentz Concert Hall – Naperville, IL | Get tickets |
| Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 7:00 PM | Harris Theater – Chicago, IL | Get tickets |
Program
| Florence Price | Dances in the Canebrakes | ||
| Marinna Martines | Sinfonia in C Major | ||
| Amy Beach | Gaelic Symphony | ||
| Shirley J. Thompson | New CS commission |
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Annual MLK Tribute concert featuring cellist Jeffrey Ziegler in a CS commission, alongside Bostic and Dvořák.
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May 8-10
Rhapsody in Blue featuring pianist Clayton Stephenson, Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony, and a tribute to Miles Davis conclude our IGNITE season.
Frequently asked questions
MAESTRA MEI-ANN CHEN
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