Chicago Sinfonietta season closing concert celebrates the centenary of Piazzolla’s birth and presents final commission of the season: the world premiere of Victor Wooten’s La Lección Tres
Chicago, IL – Chicago Sinfonietta closes its 33rd season, “Stories of the People,” with “Fusion: Stronger Together” a finale that honors the voice of the people in its many forms, tracing the line of stories told across time and place. A colorful merging of the present with the past, the June 5th concert presents the final commissioned work by an African American composer for the season.
One of the cornerstones on which Chicago Sinfonietta was built, and begun by late founder and Music Director Paul Freeman, commissions are part of the organization’s ongoing mission of inclusion. Chicago Sinfonietta is one of the very few orchestras in the United States during the 2020-21 season to present a commissioned world premiere, all by African American composers, on each concert.
“Music is an integral part of rebuilding our great city as we usher in a new chapter for arts and the community,” stated Chief Executive Officer Blake-Anthony Johnson. “We are thrilled to be able to continue to connect with our audiences virtually. We continue to monitor the ongoing health concerns caused by COVID-19 and are thankful for the opportunity to still make music. We look forward to welcoming our audience back in person this next season and celebrating the joys of life and live music together.”
June 5, 2021 at 7:30 PM
Virtual concert
Chicago Sinfonietta
“Fusion: Stronger Together”
Mei-Ann Chen, conductor
Victor Wooten, bass
PROGRAM
Astor PIAZZOLLA (arr. Steven VERHELST)
Suite from Maria de Buenos Aires for Brass and Percussion
Valerie COLEMAN
Suite: Portraits of Josephine
Victor WOOTEN
La Lección Tres World Premiere, Chicago Sinfonietta Commission
Tickets
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The orchestra marks the centenary of Astor Piazzolla’s birth with an arrangement of the well-known Suite from his Tango Opera, Maria de Buenos Aires. Chicago Sinfonietta is proud to work with The Instituto Cervantes of Chicago as part of its Midwest program of The Piazzolla Foundation’s extensive “Piazzolla 100” program to commemorate the centenary of his birth. Organized by two of his grandchildren, Daniel Villaflor Piazzolla, vice president of the Piazzolla Foundation, and drummer Daniel Pipi Piazzolla, leader of the Escalandrum jazz group, the Midwest program is a collaboration of the Piazzolla Foundation, Piazzolla 100, Chicago Sinfonietta, Elgin Symphony Orchestra, and Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra, with the support of the General Consulate of Argentina in Chicago and the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago.
Following the Piazzolla is Valerie Coleman’s musical portrayal of entertainer and activist Josephine Baker’s life. Closing the program, and featuring Grammy award-winning bassist and prized collaborator, composer and bassist Victor Wooten, is the season closing commissioned world premiere of La Lección Tres, a merging of music and philosophy moved forward in exuberant bass lines.
Learn more about Piazzolla 100: Celebrating the transformative spirit of Astor Piazzolla’s music and the artistic cultural heritage of Argentina.
ABOUT VICTOR WOOTEN
Five-time Grammy winner, founding member of the super-group Bela Fleck and the Flecktones, Victor Wooten is a composer, published author, magician and acrobat, and has won every major award given to a bass guitarist.
ABOUT CHICAGO SINFONIETTA
Groundbreaking. Dynamic. Innovative. An acclaimed cultural leader and a powerful champion of diversity, equity and inclusion, the award-winning Chicago Sinfonietta was founded in 1987 by the late Maestro Paul Freeman to address diversity in orchestras. Dedicated to changing the face of classical music, and making classical music accessible to everyone, what began as a mission to represent the city of Chicago has evolved into an international position at the forefront of progressive change in the arts. Led by international conductor and Music Director Maestra Mei-Ann Chen since 2011, today Chicago Sinfonietta is a 21st century orchestra renowned for its defiantly different outlook, innovative and collaborative programming, and artistry of the highest caliber. The ensemble’s success has been recognized with numerous industry honors, including a 2020 League of American Orchestras Catalyst Award for Institutional Development and Anti-racism Training, a MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions – the “genius award” for non-profit organizations, an ASCAP Award for Adventurous Programming, and a First Place Award for Programming of Contemporary Music.
Celebrated for its daring, cutting-edge programs ranging from its popular subscription concert series with guests of national and local renown to its local engagement, the organization’s commitment to parity and diversity for all is ubiquitous in its myriad education and community programs. Amongst them: Artist in Residence, – which presents a composer of color who works in various community programs and creates for Chicago Sinfonietta a commissioned world premiere; Audience Matters, targeting 4th – 6th grade students in partnership with more than 23 CPS schools and nine Aurora schools; Student Ensembles with Excellence and Diversity (SEED), a mentoring program for talented high school musicians; and Chicago Sinfonietta’s Residents Orchestrate Project, re-imagining the role that an orchestra can play in historically underserved Chicago neighborhoods. Its nationally recognized Project Inclusion Fellowships, with training and mentoring of young musicians in the areas of administration, orchestral and ensemble performance, conducting, and now composition, is the largest and most successful of its kind. Through the above performances and initiatives, as well as various events, Chicago Sinfonietta continues to expand its mission and strengthen its leadership in the world of classical music, redefining the orchestra experience for today’s and future generations.
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