Chicago Refugee Coalition Partnership
The NMI’s social impact programming uses the power of music to uplift, inspire and transform lives. 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, 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.
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.
Elliot Mandel
Mentors from the Irene Taylor Trust perform in the Civic Fellows x CRC concert.
Elliot Mandel
Civic Fellows Aalia Hanif (flute) and Amy Hur (clarinet) perform in concert.
Elliot Mandel
Chicago Refugee Coalition participant Sahro Moalim waves to the crowd after Civic Fellows perform a song from her home country.
Elliot Mandel
A chamber ensemble of Civic Fellows perform in concert.
Elliot Mandel
Chicago Refugee Coalition participant Johannes Favi shares his story during the concert.
Elliot Mandel
Civic Fellows, mentors from the Irene Taylor Trust and participants from the Chicago Refugee Coalition after the concert.
Elliot Mandel