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Among the artists featured or represented on this season's Nuestras Noches series (from top left): Sones de México Ensemble, conductor Lina González-Granados, composer Silvestre Revueltas and conductor Giancarlo Guerrero.
The Latino Alliance of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association will celebrate its 10th anniversary this season with five programs in its ¡Nuestras Noches! series — all featuring the work of Latino composers or performers.
The series, which begins Oct. 24 and continues through June 11, consists of pre- and post-concert events such as a presentation on 20th-century Mexican composer Silvestre Revueltas (who studied for a time in Chicago), the annual yuletide celebration Noche Navideña and new this season, a family-focused event titled Una Tarde Familia.
A CSO-sponsored volunteer group, the Latino Alliance aims to connects with Chicago’s diverse communities by creating awareness, sharing insights and building relationships for future generations. The group encourages individuals and their families to discover and experience timeless music through concerts, networking receptions and educational events. Latino Alliance membership is free and open to all. To join, sign up at cso.org/LatinoAlliance.
In addition, the Latino Alliance offers its members the chance to interact with CSO artists at networking events. These receptions allow attendees to develop professional contacts and broaden their networks. Members also receive invitations to open rehearsals, which provide a behind-the-scenes look at how the CSO prepares for a concert. Furthermore, members have access to specially priced tickets (starting at $40) for selected concerts throughout the season.
A season subscription package is available, which allows patrons to choose three or more Latino Alliance season concerts and thus secure the best seats now. Individual tickets are also available, with more information at cso.org. Individual tickets and season subscriptions may be purchased now at cso.org/LatinoAlliance or by phone at 312-294-3000.
Here are details of this season’s ¡Nuestras Noches! series:
Oct. 24, Noche de Una Obra Maestra Méxicana — Gershwin & Bernstein: Latino Alliance founding member Dr. Jesús Del Toro will discuss works by Mexican composer Silvestre Revueltas, who lived and studied in Chicago during the 1920s. The Grammy-nominated, Chicago-based Sones de México Ensemble will present a short performance of its signature sound of traditional styles such as huapango and son jarocho. The subsequent CSO concert at 7:30 p.m., conducted by James Gaffigan, showcases a melding of styles, including Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story and Revueltas’ seminal Sensemayá.
Dec. 17, Noche Navideña — Merry, Merry Chicago! Symphony Center’s annual yuletide revue musical, with members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Thomas Wilkins, celebrates the season with music from the Renaissance to modern times. Before the matinee concert, carolers will stroll through the lobbies and public spaces of Symphony Center. It’s a longstanding holiday tradition for the entire family.
Feb. 17, Una Tarde Familia — Carnival of the Animals: Lina González-Granados, the CSO’s fourth Solti Conducting Apprentice, leads members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra in Saint-Saëns’ humorous and imaginative The Carnival of the Animals. With narration from storyteller Charlotte Blake Alston, the orchestra depicts nature’s amazing creatures — from the mighty elephant to the majestic swan. Before the concert, there will be an interactive family carnival that introduces children to classical music through hands-on experiences.
April 25, Noche de Jazz — CSO x Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis: Members of the Latino Alliance and African American Network present a post-concert event to recognize and celebrate the artistic collaboration between the CSO and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, led by legendary trumpeter and nine-time Grammy Award winner Wynton Marsalis and six-time Grammy Award-winning conductor Giancarlo Guerrero.
June 11, Noche Española — Ravel Boléro: Conductor Stéphane Denève unpacks the French fascination with Spanish culture in a CSO concert featuring Debussy’s sultry Ibéria and Ravel’s ever-popular Boléro, with its hypnotic theme that builds to a volcanic climax. For its pre-concert event in historic Grainger Ballroom, patrons will be immersed in Spanish culture and cuisine.
