Refugee and Migrant Partnerships

The NMI’s social impact programming uses the power of music to uplift, inspire and transform lives. In response to the migrant and refugee crisis in Chicago, the NMI piloted a new program during the 2023/24 Season in partnership with the Chicago Refugee Coalition.

In collaboration with the Civic Orchestra Fellows and mentors from the Irene Taylor Trust, migrants and refugees affiliated with the Coalition shared and celebrated their cultural identities through music. Following interviews with program participants, the Fellows curated, arranged music for and performed a concert in Buntrock Hall at Symphony Center. The performance presented a positive and inspiring point of view on resilience, empathy, creativity and community.

The program continues during the 2024/25 Season with a finale concert planned for February 2025. More details will be available in the fall.

2023/24 Civic Fellows x Chicago Refugee Coalition Concert

Civic Fellows x Chicago Refugee Coalition concert in Buntrock Hall at Symphony Center.

Elliot Mandel

Chicago Refugee Coalition participant Ruth Mwamikazi performs with Civic Fellows in concert.

Elliot Mandel

Civic Fellow strings perform a traditional Venezuelan folk song.

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Mentors from the Irene Taylor Trust perform in the Civic Fellows x CRC concert.

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Civic Fellows Aalia Hanif (flute) and Amy Hur (clarinet) perform in concert.

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Chicago Refugee Coalition participant Sahro Moalim waves to the crowd after Civic Fellows perform a song from her home country.

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A chamber ensemble of Civic Fellows perform in concert.

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Chicago Refugee Coalition participant Johannes Favi shares his story during the concert.

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Civic Fellows, mentors from the Irene Taylor Trust and participants from the Chicago Refugee Coalition after the concert.

Elliot Mandel