It’s a statement that an upper-midwestern orchestra and this community of Historically Black Colleges can welcome each other, learn from each other, and feel at home together.
It’s a statement that an upper-midwestern orchestra and this community of Historically Black Colleges can welcome each other, learn from each other, and feel at home together.
The Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) has announced that internationally-acclaimed conductor Mei-Ann Chen–who was guest conductor for the SSO’s 2023-24 opening night performance–is joining the SSO in the newly-created position of Artistic Advisor, effective for the 2024-25 season.
In her new position with the SSO, Maestra Chen will serve as the orchestra’s artistic face, curating programs, selecting guest soloists and facilitating other artistic needs. Chen will also conduct a minimum of two symphonic concerts per season. At the same time, the SSO will continue to engage guest conductors in performances of the Symphony.
"The Chicago Sinfonietta upheld one of its integral annual customs despite Sunday’s frigid temperatures, presenting its Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Concert at Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville. In keeping with tradition, the matinee program centered on works by black American composers, this year featuring works by Scott Joplin, Xavier Foley, and Margaret Bonds.oncerto for contrabass, heard here in its Chicagoland debut.
"Sinfonietta music director Mei-Ann Chen offered her ebullient advocacy both in extolling the works’ virtue and through her dedicated, enthusiastic conducting—none more so than in Xavier Foley’s “Victory” Concerto for contrabass, heard here in its Chicagoland debut. "-Chicago Classical Review