• Read a message from Lenese Reynolds, vice chair, AAN Advisory Board
• Get your tickets for the final AAN event of the season
• Check out the AAN Member Spotlight: Ted Tabe
• Read a note from our friends at the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic
• Use your special AAN pricing for an upcoming concert
• Stay connected!

As we close out a remarkable 2024/25 season, I want to thank our African American Network Advisory Board members for their passion, ideas and unwavering commitment. Their leadership has been the driving force behind unforgettable moments of culture, connection and celebration. But the season’s end is just the beginning — we have an exciting lineup of summer events I can’t wait to share with you.

On June 13, experience the brilliance of Oscar Peterson’s Africa Suite, led by jazz icon John Clayton, with an elegant tribute reception to follow. We will also honor Juneteenth by reflecting on our mission to uplift Black voices and create spaces where our culture thrives. Also, save the date of August 7, when we gather under the stars at Ravinia to enjoy an unforgettable night with Earth, Wind & Fire.

I can’t wait to see you there and continue building our vibrant community together.

Lenese Reynolds
Vice chair, AAN Advisory Board

Hear Oscar Peterson’s Africa Suite in a rare live performance, inspired in part by Nelson Mandela and the intense struggle for human rights in 1980s apartheid-era South Africa.

Afterward, join the AAN to celebrate the season finale and meet the artists. Event design generously provided by Lauren Deane Premier Events.

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

Your concert ticket pricing will be adjusted after you have added your seats to the order. When ordering your concert ticket, follow the prompts to add your free reception ticket to the order. A separate ticket to attend the AAN reception is free and required. For questions or assistance, contact Patron Services.

Earlier this season, CSO African American Network and League member Ted Tabe spoke about the mission of the AAN and the importance of investing in the future of classical music. Read an abridged version of the interview below.

What do you hope to see for the future of classical music?
As long as I’ve been alive, people have always been saying, “Oh, classical music is going to die because there’s no one who’s going to come to the concerts.” But so far, I still see all the performances getting filled with people. ... But like anything, you can’t just sit and expect it to continue. The only way it’s going to continue is if people actively work to continue to promote it and foster new talent ... like a garden. A garden doesn’t just happen; you’ve got to actively work on and cultivate it. I think that’s the future of classical music — as long as people are around to keep it going, I’m confident it will have a bright future.

On the 78th anniversary of Hazel Scott’s Hazel Scott Plays performance with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra during the Orchestra’s 1947/48 season, join the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic (CJP) as it celebrates the incomparable legacy of the gifted and audacious pianist.

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, with 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.