The months of preparation by administrative and artistic staff, coupled with the musicians’ ability to bring those plans to life on stage and in the classroom, now results in this special moment where music creates community. There is an immense sense of pride conveyed in the comments and reactions of audience members. They respond throughout the concert as if this orchestra from Chicago is their orchestra. But no one seems prouder to be here than the orchestra’s music director, Mei-Ann Chen. She describes the many connections the Sinfonietta has to Atlanta, the importance of the orchestra being here at Spelman, the importance of the audience being here, and the importance of the racial and gender diversity of the composers on the program. This Taiwanese-American conductor speaks to the significance of this moment better than many American-born conductors. Her unabashed enthusiasm, pride, and appreciation are infectious. The audience can’t help but like her. ...

From start to finish, this experience has felt like equal parts celebration, community-building, music-making, and experimentation. The project seemed to prove the worth of a potentially risky venture like this, and I believe it succeeded in achieving an actual sense of “homecoming.” I’ve heard dozens of people talk about ideas they have for a return trip. I hope we get to see that, and I hope we see more like it across our country.

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