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CSO Latino Alliance Newsletter

February 2024

Nuestras Noches Season 10

A note from Latino Alliance Advisory Board co-chair Ramiro J. Atristaín-Carrión

On January 26, we broke out the wine glasses for a night of festivity with musical magnificence in honor of our 10 Year Anniversary Celebration at Instituto Cervantes. A decade of harmony, camaraderie and unwavering dedication to helping expand and diversify the audience of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra called for a celebration like no other. We commemorated this remarkable milestone with a nostalgic journey through the beautiful events of our past, present and future. We came together in grand style at Instituto Cervantes, a partner organization, to toast to our shared passion. That evening was an unforgettable blend of enchanting live music, heartwarming stories from our journey, the opportunity to connect with fellow Latinos, friends, classical music lovers and professionals and, of course, to dance to Latin rhythms. The CSO Latino Alliance’s 10 Year Anniversary Celebration was a harmonious tribute to a decade of shared musical passion and enduring friendships — a crescendo of joy, culture and celebration.

Looking ahead, we encourage you to attend concerts at Symphony Center to be swept away by the symphonic sounds that have defined our group, and let the melodies of Mozart, Beethoven, Revueltas, Falla and more serenade you throughout any night. Our commitment to fostering connections within our community has given rise to numerous pre- and postconcert gatherings one can enjoy, enhancing the cultural tapestry of our Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Warm regards,

Ramiro J. Atristaín-Carrión

CSO Latino Alliance Co-chair, founding member and — most of all — CSO enthusiast

Ramiro J. Atristaín-Carrión

View a selection of photos from the Latino Alliance 10th Anniversary Celebration event 

String quartet of musicians from the Civic Orchestra of Chicago

String quartet of musicians from the Civic Orchestra of Chicago: violinists Valentina Guillén and Carlos Chacón, violist Carlos Lozano and cellist Lidanys Graterol. The quartet performed “Son Guatemalteco” by Latino Alliance Advisory Board member Dr. Xavier Beteta.

Mariachi Fusion Trio

Chicago’s Mariachi Fusion Trio with social media favorite violinist Brenden Perez, trompetist Daniel Flores and armonía player Sebastian Oseguera. 

New video: Celebrating 10 seasons of the CSO Latino Alliance

Celebrating 10 Years of the CSO Latino Alliance
Experience CSO Article

10 years of camaraderie and timeless music: A decade of CSO Latino Alliance


Event recap: Una tarde en familia

On February 17, families were spellbound by the Carnival of the Animals performance conducted by Lina González-Granados, featuring members of the renowned Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Guided by the captivating narration of master storyteller Charlotte Blake Alston, the orchestra brought to life the enchanting world of nature’s most remarkable creatures, from the majestic swan to the mighty elephant.

Between concerts, attendees enjoyed an array of Orchestra Explorer activities, from an instrument petting zoo to an English/Spanish memory card game to a “Mini Maestros” conducting activity and more, led by volunteers from the CSO Latino Alliance and League of the CSOA, CSO Student Ambassadors, Civic Orchestra of Chicago musicians, a Kenwood Academy Chamber ensemble and the CSO Negaunee Music Institute.

Stay tuned for more enriching events and activities to inspire the next generation of music enthusiasts!


Community Open Rehearsal Invitation 

Thursday, February 29, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Schubert & Beethoven
Mendelssohn The Hebrides Overture
Schubert Symphony No. 6
Beethoven Symphony No. 7
Petr Popelka, conductor

Did you know that the opportunity to attend Community Open Rehearsals is a benefit of Latino Alliance membership? Reserve your tickets for this exclusive opportunity today!

Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony is treasured by generations of music fans for its whirling dance rhythms and majestic Allegretto movement. It finds an admirable interpreter in Czech conductor Petr Popelka, who “lets the music glow without overshadowing details” (Der Standard). Composed in his youth, Schubert’s exuberant Sixth Symphony draws inspiration from Beethoven.

Reserve your tickets to the open rehearsal now — spots are limited. 

Orders are filled on a first come, first served basis, and will be confirmed via email by CSO staff. Orders that exceed capacity for the event will be placed on a waitlist. Seating is General Admission by section. We are not able to accommodate specific seating requests.  

Recommended arrival time is at least 20 minutes prior to start of the rehearsal. Orchestra Hall doors open 30 minutes before the rehearsal. Please refrain from talking or applause during the rehearsal. 


Coming up at Symphony Center: Eliades Ochoa 

Friday, March 8
5:00-7:00 PM Join members of the Latino Alliance to enjoy a preconcert beverage at Forte
7:00-8:00 PM Latino Alliance table in the Main Lobby
8:00 PM Eliades Ochoa

An upcoming concert that may be of interest to members of the Latino Alliance — use promo code LA to purchase specially priced tickets!

Eliades Ochoa, one of the stars and founders of Buena Vista Social Club, makes his Symphony Center debut. With a voice “that plunges the listener deep into the countryside surrounding his native Santiago” and “a dexterity on the acoustic guitar to dazzle any flamenco player” (The Austin Chronicle), Ochoa is recognized as one of the best guitarists and Cuban soneros of his generation.

Enter promo code LA for specially priced tickets $40 and under for Latino Alliance members. You can also order online or by contacting Patron Services at 312-294-3000.

SCP Special Concert: Eliades Ochoa
Eliades Ochoa - Vamos A Bailar Un Son (Video Oficial)

Special Latino Alliance Pricing

Use your Latino Alliance member ticket benefit to enjoy an upcoming concert!

As a member of the CSO Latino Alliance, you have access to specially priced tickets for $40 or less to many concerts throughout the season using promo code LA. Learn more at cso.org/latinoalliance.

Tchaikovsky & Shostakovich
Tuesday, February 27, 7:30 PM

Schubert & Beethoven
Friday, March 1,1:30 PM
Saturday, March 2, 7:30 PM

Jessie Montgomery & Curtis Stewart
Sunday, March 3, 4:30 PM

Gil Shaham Plays Mendelssohn
Thursday, March 7, 7:30 PM
Friday, March 8, 1:30 PM
Saturday, March 9, 7:30 PM
Tuesday, March 12, 7:30 PM


From our friends at Crossing Borders Music, a partner member of the Chicago Cultural Alliance

Songs of Peru with Peruvian tenor Luis Gálvez
Sunday, March 10, 3:00 PM
Skokie Public Library
5215 Oakton St., Skokie, IL 60077

Honor and celebrate Peru through its songs, dances and instrumental music as the Crossing Borders Music String Quartet is joined by special guest Peruvian tenor Luis Gálvez! Luis sings favorite songs including the original version of “El condor pasa” by Daniel Alomía Robles and “La flor de la canela” (“The Cinnamon Flower”) by Chabuca Granda. Hear also “Manaña cuando me vaya” (“When I Leave Tomorrow”), the Afro-Peruvian Christmas dance Hatajo de Negritos, the Andean Passacalle “El Huascarán,” the Danza Peruana No. 8 by Armando Guevara Ochoa and more! 


2023/24 CSO Latino Alliance season brochure 

Learn more about the 2023/24 CSO Latino Alliance season.


Stay connected

Join the CSO Latino Alliance Facebook page to stay up to date at @CSOLatinoAlliance.


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Thank you for your interest in receiving information about events presented by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association. Artists, prices and programs subject to change.

Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association
220 S. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60604
Patron Services: 312-294-3000

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