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Press Releases

Chicago Sinfonietta kicks off 2021-22 season with 'Sounds Of Dance' at Ravinia in three weeks

Announced in early June, Chicago Sinfonietta starts its 34th season with a one-night only concert at Ravinia, featuring a thrilling choreography of symphonic dance works, including two signature pieces, September 8.   Spotlighting the celebratory theme of the organization's 34th season, Revelry!, the evening highlights the influence of dance in music, including Polish composer Frederic Chopin’s first published waltz, the Grande valse brillante in E-flat major, Op. 18, arranged by Stravinsky for Sergei Diaghilev’s 1909 ballet Les Sylphides. The performance also introduces the inspiration of African and traditional folk tunes, as found in Florence Price’s buoyant, lyrical, Dances in the Canebrakes from 1953, a Sinfonietta signature work that reintroduces African influences from a 20th century American composer’s point of view, and Smetana’s The Maldau, whose tune is derived from an old Czech folk song.   "Being back at the beautiful Ravinia Festival after five years, and sharing fun music inspired by dance written by composers from six countries is the perfect way to celebrate a new beginning for the Chicago Sinfonietta as we kick off the 34th season," stated Music Director Mei-Ann Chen. We are especially thrilled to perform not one, not two, but three Ravinia premieres in this concert!"     Ravinia: Sounds of Dance: Season Preview Chicago Sinfonietta Mei-Ann Chen, Music Director September 8, 2021, at 8:00 PM, Pavilion   Samuel COLERIDGE-TAYLOR Danse Négre from African Suite, Op. 35, No. 4 Johann STRAUSS II An der schönen blauen Donau (On the Beautiful Blue Danube) Frederic CHOPIN (arr. STRAVINSKY) Grande valse brillante in E-flat major, Op. 18 Florence PRICE (arr. William Grant Still) Dances in the Canebrakes Bedrich SMETANA Ma Vlast, Vitava (The Maldau) Antonín DVORÁK Slavonic Dances Op. 46, No. 8 Arturo MÁRQUEZ Conga del Fuego Nuevo   Tickets sold via Ravinia.org

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, - now in its second season, 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.   Details of Chicago Sinfonietta's 2021-22 season can be found at: www.chicagosinfonietta.org

Press Contact: Laura Grant, Grant Communications 1.917.359.7319 Laura@grant-communications.com