Review: Chicago Philharmonic Season Opener Swings into Diversity

William Grant Still (1895-1978)

(Courtesy Photo)

Third Coast Review

• Bob Benenson
• October 15, 2022
• Classical, Reviews

The decision by Chicago Philharmonic to open its 2022-23 concert season Thursday with a program focused on diversity was well within character for the orchestra.  

Diversity had long been a concern for the musician-run orchestra and its conductor, Scott Speck. Its effort to provide better representation for black composers and performers ramped up considerably since national incidents of racial injustice in 2020 prompted a self-examination within the classical music community.

Chicago Philharmonic also underscored its sincerity on this issue last year by hiring Terrell Johnson, a young Black innovator, as its executive director. 

 

Chicago Philharmonic: For our 22/23 Symphonic Series opening concert, we’re paying homage to William Grant Still and Florence Price

Thursday, October 13, 7:30pm

Harris Theater

205 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601

Heitor Villa-Lobos Bachianas Brasileiras No. 4, Preludio

Florence Price Ethiopia's Shadow in America

Jonathan Bingham Monograph (CHICAGO PREMIERE)

Arturo Márquez Danzón No. 2

William Grant Still Symphony No. 1 (Afro-American)

William Grant Still is the composer most associated with the Harlem Renaissance. His First Symphony, dubbed the Afro-American, is a thrilling, blues-infused wonder of American composition.

Florence Price had strong ties to Chicago and the Chicago Black Renaissance. She lived on the city’s south side for years and vacationed in St. Anne, Illinois. Ethiopia’s Shadow in America was recently discovered in her vacation home in 2009, and is thought to be the first piece she wrote for full orchestra.