I am deeply honored to be a member of the AAN Advisory Board, as our business mission perfectly aligns with the board’s goals. As the Founder and CEO of Shades of STEM (SOS), our main objective is to inspire children of color to pursue meaningful STEM careers. We aim to cultivate socially responsible professionals who can tackle real-world challenges and promote sustainable development. By focusing on societal impact, we actively promote diversity, inclusion and global collaboration, empowering students to create positive change and contribute to a more inclusive and impactful STEM community.

As a STEM professional, I am excited to promote the Chicago Symphony Orchestra (CSO) to our community. It only enriches our culture, inspires creativity and connects disciplines. I was truly inspired by Maestro Muti’s impactful remarks at the June reception that emphasized music’s global transformative power, uniting audiences and fostering cultural understanding. Music’s ability to express emotions and provide solace in times of distress was highlighted. Maestro reaffirmed that music is a universal language and has a profound impact on our shared diverse human experience.

Leveraging my STEM background, I aim to bridge the gap between disciplines for our community, emphasizing the parallels and fostering appreciation for this timeless art form we have with the CSO.

Lenese Reynolds

Stay tuned for a formal announcement this fall detailing the performances that will feature pre- and postconcert programming hosted by the African American Network. Follow the CSO African American Network Facebook Group for updates, photo content and more!

Following a successful engagement at Open House Chicago 2021 in which over 2,000 visitors — the majority of whom were first-time visitors — experienced Symphony Center, the Chicago Architecture Center has invited the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association to participate in Open House Chicago 2023.

Open House Chicago visitors will have access to the Michigan Avenue and Adams Street lobbies, Orchestra Hall, Grainger Ballroom, Symphony Center Arcade, Buntrock Hall and Rotunda spaces. There will be self-guided and station-by-station information facilitated by volunteer tour guides. CSO affinity groups including Overture Council, Student Ambassadors, Latino Alliance and African American Network, will host a Resource Fair in Grainger Ballroom. Save the date!

Did you know that the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association is a member of the Chicago Cultural Alliance? The Chicago Cultural Alliance is an active consortium of over 40 cultural heritage museums, centers and historical societies that span 23 neighborhoods and 11 suburbs in the Chicago area and represent over 30 different cultures.

On Saturday, September 9, the Chicago Cultural Alliance will host World Dumpling Fest in Logan Square!

On the World Dumpling Fest stage, a trombone quintet led by Civic Fellow Hugo Saavedra and composed of musicians from across Chicago will perform arrangements of popular music, including “Hey Jude” and the “Pink Panther” theme, as well as a range of classic Latin songs.

Gramophone, the world's premier classical music magazine, has nominated the Chicago Symphony Orchestra for its annual Orchestra of the Year Award, recognizing the brilliance and virtuosity of Chicago's own. We need your help to bring this prestigious award to Chicago — vote for the CSO today.

Also, listen to Gramophone's curated CSO playlist on Apple Music Classical.