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23/24 CSO African American Network

African American Network

The CSO African American Network invites you to its 2023/24 Season, celebrating Black composers, conductors and performers across genres including classical, jazz, new music and gospel. This season, the African American Network hosts celebrations, artist meet-and-greets and networking events. 

Noche de jazz

Thursday, April 25
7:30 CSO X Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis
9:30 Noche de jazz (EVENT SOLD OUT)

Prepare for an electrifying fusion of jazz and classical as two mighty orchestras present a riveting concert. Experience the magic of Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet, with alternating renditions by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and innovative jazz arrangements by the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Both ensembles join forces for a captivating selection from Wynton Marsalis’ Swing Symphony, hailed by The Telegraph as “a journey through jazz history and the sounds of America itself.” 

(POSTCONCERT LA/AAN EVENT SOLD OUT) Following the concert, ticketed African American Network and Latino Alliance members are invited to Grainger Ballroom for a Q&A with Wynton Marsalis and conductor Giancarlo Guerrero, moderated by Symphony Center Presents Senior Director of Programming James Fahey. Tickets required for admittance. 

While (concert + event) tickets are no longer available as the postconcert event is at capacity, concert tickets to CSO x Jazz a Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis concert are still available and start at $75.

Purchase Concert Tickets

2023/24 Season:

Join us for the following performances and African American Network receptions!

Download the AAN 2023/24 season brochure

Membership and Information

Established in 2016, the African American Network (AAN) has grown to include more than 5,000 members and presents an annual series of curated and hosted programs to create connections and conversation through music.

The mission of the CSOA’s African American Network aims to engage Chicago’s culturally rich African American community through the sharing and exchanging of unforgettable musical experiences while building relationships for generations to come.

The AAN seeks to serve and encourage individuals, families, educators, students, musicians, composers and businesses to discover and experience the timeless beauty of music.

To learn more how you can be involved, contact the African American Network or call 312-294-3000.

Right: Sheila Jones, founder of the AAN

African American Network members receive specially priced tickets for $40 or less to many concerts throughout the season!

Step 1: Visit the calendar listing for performances that have the African American Network ticket offer available. (Promo code “AAN” will automatically be activated. African American Network tickets usually become available 1-4 weeks ahead of the concert date with newly eligible concerts typically added on Thursday afternoons.)

Step 2: Choose your preferred concert. All seats available with this special offer will display on the seat map. Select your seats and add to your order.

Step 3: Proceed through the checkout process. Tickets will be delivered by email, unless you select another delivery method. Additional fees may apply for other delivery methods.

Step 4: Attend the concert!

AAN Event Photos

Montgomery and Blacknificent 7

Samara Joy