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CSO Latino Alliance Newsletter 

May 2023

CSO Latino Alliance

A note from Latino Alliance Advisory Board member Manny Almonte

Attending Pablo Sáinz-Villegas' performance with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in March was an absolute thrill. His passion and energy were infectious, and drew you in completely. From the moment he stepped onto the stage, he commanded our attention with his masterful playing and showmanship. I also enjoyed the opportunity to attend the Latino Alliance reception after the concert.

That said, it’s not just about the music, it's about the people you meet as well. That is, you'll mingle with all kinds of folks who share your passions, whether you're a creative, a professional or just a lover of the arts. The symphony's stunning performances provide the perfect backdrop for sparking conversations and forging new connections. I was able to make connections socially as well with young professionals, which was neat! Experiences like this remind us of our humanity and connect us to something greater than ourselves.

As a recent member of the Latino Alliance at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, I am beyond excited to work with such a prestigious organization and great initiative that renders this art form more accessible. I am eager to contribute my skills and passion to support the arts and help bring the joy of music to even more people.

Manny Almonte

CSO Latino Alliance Advisory Board member 


A Night for Celebration

Since the beginning of his tenure as the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s 10th music director, Riccardo Muti has prioritized educational programs and community engagement initiatives that expand access to music for Chicagoans of all ages and backgrounds. Among these community initiatives are the Latino Alliance and the African American Network. A Night for Celebration, co-presented by the Latino Alliance and the African American Network, is an opportunity to celebrate Maestro Muti’s multitude of achievements and his impact on the CSOA community

Thursday, June 15
A Night for Celebration
7:30 PM Muti, Pokorny & Schubert 9
9:30 PM Postconcert celebration
Symphony Center

Latino Alliance and African American Network members are invited to enjoy refreshments and networking at a postconcert celebration of Maestro Muti's final season as Zell Music Director. The concert features CSO Principal Tuba Gene Pokorny in a concerto written for him by Argentinian composer Lalo Schifrin (best known for his Mission: Impossible theme). Schubert's magnificent final symphony and J. Strauss Jr.'s Overture to Indigo and the Forty Thieves bookend this program.

Enter promo code ALLIANCE to access $40 tickets. Your pricing will be adjusted after you have added the seats to your order. Your concert ticket is your RSVP to the reception and concert and is required for entry. You can also order by contacting our friendly and knowledgeable Patron Services team at 312-294-3000.

Tickets are limited and going quickly!


Salon Series on May 17

You may have read the announcement last week that string musicians Jesús Linárez and Olivia Reyes have been newly appointed as CSO Fellows. These accomplished artists will join violinist Gabriela Lara, the current CSO Fellow, who returns next season for her second year in the program.

Latino Alliance members are invited to attend the CSOA's next Salon Series event, Mentorship at the CSO, which features a conversation with Sir Georg Solti Conducting Apprentice of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Lina González-Granados, CSO Fellow Gabriela Lara, and Jonathan McCormick, Director, Education & the Negaunee Music Institute, on Wednesday, May 17, 2023.

5:30 PM Doors open, complimentary refreshments to be served

6:00 PM Program starts

To reserve your tickets, use promo code SALON23.

The Salon Series showcases in-depth discussions about music with CSO musicians and guest artists and is a benefit offered to donors to the Annual Fund. Through this invitation, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association thanks Latino Alliance members for their ongoing commitment and support of the CSO. If you have further questions about the Latino Alliance and its activities, please email Alyssa Greenberg at greenberga@cso.org


Open Rehearsals

As a member of the Latino Alliance, you are invited to an open rehearsal on Thursday, June 15. Riccardo Muti prepares the CSO for a concert program that features Schubert's magnificent Symphony No. 9, J. Strauss Jr.'s Overture to Indigo and the Forty Thieves and a tuba concerto written by Argentinian composer Lalo Schifrin for CSO Principal Tuba Gene Pokorny.

After getting a sneak peek of the rehearsal process, enjoy the performance of Muti, Pokorny & Schubert 9, followed by A Night for Celebration. 

Thursday, June 15, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.


Upcoming Symphony Center Performances 

Don’t forget that Latino Alliance members are eligible for tickets for $40 or less for selected performances at Symphony Center! Visit the calendar listings page for performances and use promo code NETWORK.

Muti, Chen & Mozart Gran Partita

CSO Classical

Muti, Chen & Mozart Gran Partita

May 18-23 | Orchestra Hall

Experience Mozart’s Gran Partita for 13 wind instruments and his Violin Concerto No. 4, here featuring CSO Concertmaster Robert Chen.


Maria João Pires

SCP Piano

Maria João Pires

May 28 | Orchestra Hall

Portuguese pianist Maria João Pires, hailed as an elegant technician and probing interpreter, gives a rare Chicago recital performance.


Debussy La mer & Ravel La valse

CSO Classical

Debussy La mer & Ravel La valse

June 1-6 | Orchestra Hall

David Afkham conducts Debussy’s La mer and Ravel’s La valse. Vadim Gluzman solos in Shostakovich’s poignant First Violin Concerto.



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