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Grainger Ballroom glows with red, green and white lights for the Noche navideña event on Dec. 21.
Elliot Mandel Photography
Noche navideña, hosted by the CSO Latino Alliance, serves as the annual yuletide mixer for Latino Alliance members and their guests. It marked the third of seven events in the 2024-25 Latino Alliance season.
Held in Symphony Center’s historic Grainger Ballroom on Dec. 21, the room sparkled with festive red, green and white lights. Attendees dressed in holiday attire, from red-velvet dresses on young girls and “ugly Christmas” sweaters on males of all ages. Noche navideña featured an a cappella chamber ensemble, holiday cookies and hot chocolate, followed by a performance of Merry, Merry Chicago!, Symphony Center’s annual yuletide musical celebration, with members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Chorus, conducted by Alastair Willis.
“Noche navideña at the CSO has become a treasured family tradition for its members because it brings the CSO Latino Alliance and friends together,” said Ramiro J. Atristaín-Carrión, co-chair emeritus of the Latino Alliance. “Noche navideña is a fun activity; it can spark happy memories, and most important, it helps us celebrate this season as a community.”
Approximately 200 were ticketed for the event, but an overflow audience gathered in Grainger Ballroom to celebrate. Alliance member Pedro Guerrero served as the emcee for the party, which began with pre-recorded holiday music in Spanish, including favorites such as “Noche de Paz,” “Blanca navidad” and “El burrito de Belén.”
Then the Kaneland High School Madrigals, an a cappella chamber ensemble of 34 members, based in Kane County’s Maple Park, offered a special performance of renaissance songs and contemporary holiday favorites (such as “Deck the Halls,” “The 12 Days of Christmas,” “Joy to the World,” “Silent Night” and “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”).
After a hearty ovation, Latino Alliance members and guests headed to the hall for “Merry, Merry Chicago!,” featuring a special guest appearance by Santa Claus. Feliz Navidad/Próspero año y felicidad.
