Power. Grace. Purpose. Lit from within.
ARTISTS
Maestra Mei-Ann Chen / Conductor
Deeply Rooted Dance Theater
Schedule
| Date | Time | Venue | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday, March 6, 2026 | 7:00 PM | Wentz Concert Hall (Naperville) | Get tickets |
| Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 7:00 PM | Harris Theater (Chicago Loop) | Get tickets |
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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.
Program
| Florence Price | Dances in the Canebrakes | ||
| Marianna Martines | Sinfonia in C Major | ||
| Amy Beach | Gaelic Symphony | ||
| Shirley J. Thompson | Seventh Sense: Incidents in the Life of Queen Amanirenas for Dance and Orchestra (World Premiere; CS commission) |
Related Events
Open Heart
january 18 & 19
Annual MLK Tribute concert featuring cellist Jeffrey Zeigler in a CS commission, alongside Kathryn Bostic and Dvořák.
American Rhapsody
May 8 & 10
Rhapsody in Blue featuring pianist Clayton Stephenson, Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony, and a tribute to Miles Davis’ 100th birthday conclude our IGNITE season.
sOUNDSCAPE
april 11
Our signature gala event. Immerse yourself in an evening of live performances, fine dining, and creative surprises. Impact the next generation of artists and music lovers.
MAESTRA MEI-ANN CHEN
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