• A note from Susan Carlotta Ellis, Outreach Chair, AAN Advisory Board
• Recent and throwback photo highlights
• Celebrating Jessie Montgomery’s tenure as CSO Mead Composer-in-Residence
  
• New Blacknificent 7 merch at the Symphony Store
• Stay tuned: the 2024/25 CSO African American Network Season Announcement
• Stay connected! 

Greetings All!

We are thrilled to highlight upcoming concerts at Ravinia, the summer home of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra! Plan a feast under the stars on the lush lawns or enjoy the experience within the pavilion. Food and beverages are available on site — or plan a picnic. Tables, chairs and more are available to rent.

On August 1, African Queens showcases the dynamic works of the Blacknificent 7 composers, who gathered in person for the first time at the CSO MusicNOW concert and celebrated postconcert with AAN members and friends back in December.

August 17 brings the magic of CSO at Ravinia: Disney & Pixar’s Up in Concert, conducted by Anthony Parnther, who captivated audiences and AAN members at the Gateways Festival Orchestra concert in April, and spoke at the postconcert event co-hosted by the AAN and the Gateways Festival Orchestra.

The following evening, August 18, features the CSO with Jonathan Rush and the remarkable Rachel Barton Pine — an AAN member and steward of the Music by Black Composers project — performing a piece by José White Lafitte.

Finally, on August 25, Ravinia presents a soulful evening with Samara Joy, who kicked off the 2023/24 AAN Season with the memorable Joy After Dark event.

Here’s to a positively uplifting summer filled with extraordinary music!

Susan Carlotta Ellis

Outreach Chair, AAN Advisory Board

Members of the AAN Advisory Board gathered for their June meeting in the 8th Floor Club at Symphony Center.

Members of the Blacknificent 7 take a bow after their concert on December 3, and audience members chat with founding AAN member Rachel Barton Pine at the afterparty.

Anthony Parnther conducts the Gateways Festival Orchestra and speaks at the postconcert AAN event, A Toast to the Artists.

Samara Joy signs autographs after her Symphony Center performance on October 27.

A portion of each sale supports the collective’s commitment to uplifting the next generation of underrepresented composers through spearheading initiatives, direct support and more.

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.