• Read a New Year’s greeting from AAN Chair Tracy A. Stanciel
• Celebrate Black History Month: Honoring Black Artists in Music
• Learn more about an upcoming Overture Council event
• Subscribe to the AAN’s 2024/25 Season
• Use your special AAN pricing on an upcoming concert
• Stay connected!

Dear CSO African American Network members,

Happy New Year! As we begin the new year, I want to express my gratitude for the invaluable contributions you have made over the past year. Your support, dedication and commitment continue to strengthen the foundation of our work and propel us toward meaningful progress.

As a member of the CSO African American Network, your insights, commitments and dedication have been instrumental in ensuring that diverse voices are heard and valued. Your attendance at AAN sponsored events at Symphony Center helps us work towards our mission.

In 2025, I look forward to building on the momentum we’ve created together. May the new year bring new opportunities to amplify your impact.

Thank you for your commitment to excellence and for being a beacon of inspiration. Wishing you a prosperous and fulfilling New Year filled with health, joy and continued success.

With deepest appreciation,

Tracy A. Stanciel
Chair, CSO African American Network

Revealing the connections between vaudeville, blues, jazz and more, French-American vocalist Cécile McLorin Salvant bridges the gap between our musical past and contemporary world. Following Salvant’s performance, join the AAN for a reception featuring a sing-along of “Lift Every Voice,” a tribute to Black musicians, along with a dynamic dance performance. Celebrate the richness of Black history through music and movement.

The reception will be held in Grainger Ballroom following the concert.

Specially priced concert tickets start at $40 using promo code AANSEASON. A separate ticket to attend the reception is free.

You will be prompted to add the free reception ticket after selecting your seats for the concert. Both a concert ticket and reception ticket are required for entry. For questions or assistance, contact Patron Services.

The trailblazing 18-member string orchestra, composed of outstanding Black and Latino musicians from around the country, performs diverse masterworks by Teresa Carreño and Grammy Award-winning composer Jessie Montgomery. Following the concert, CSO African American Network and Latino Alliance members are invited to raise a glass alongside Sphinx Virtuosi leadership and musicians in celebration of their Symphony Center debut.

The event is co-hosted with the CSO Latino Alliance and is held in Grainger Ballroom following the concert.

Specially priced concert tickets start at $40 using promo code AANSEASON. A separate ticket to attend the reception is free.

You will be prompted to add the free reception ticket after selecting your seats for the concert. Both a concert ticket and reception ticket are required for entry. For questions or assistance, contact Patron Services.

The young professionals of the Overture Council proudly bring their acclaimed fashion show event back to the Orchestra Hall stage at Symphony Center! As part of the Soundpost event series, this one-of-a-kind experience showcases Chicago’s emerging talent across diverse artistic disciplines.

As each model graces the runway, their movements are accompanied by live performances by musicians from the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, creating a captivating fusion of fashion and classical music. Renaissance Remix seeks to bridge generational gaps and redefine the symphony experience, proving that, like fashion, classical music is adaptable, emotive and timelessly relevant.

Use your AAN member ticket benefit to enjoy an upcoming concert!

As a member of the CSO African American Network, you have access to specially priced tickets for $40 or less to many concerts throughout the season, using promo code AAN. Learn more at cso.org/aan.

For more information on upcoming AAN events or to find out how to get involved, email Alyssa Greenberg, audience engagement manager, at greenberga@cso.org.

Forward this newsletter to someone who might be interested in joining the African American Network! Membership is free and members enjoy access to exclusive special events and ticket offers.