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Composer-curator Jimmy López (center) joins members of the Latino Alliance (including from second from left, Ramiro J. Atristaín-Carrión, co-chair emeritus. and Juan B. Solano, co-chair.
Todd Rosenberg Photography
March 23, 2025, was a night to remember! The Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s MusicNOW series presented Inner Dialogues, a program curated by renowned Peruvian composer Jimmy López. It was an evening of bold musical expression, deep cultural connections and above all, a powerful reminder of how classical music can unite and inspire.
A program that dared to push boundaries
The concert took the audience on a breathtaking journey, weaving sound and storytelling into something truly mesmerizing. López’s La Caresse du Couteau, inspired by the enneagram (a system of defining personality types), challenged us to explore human nature through music, while his Guardian of the Horizon painted a stunning picture of the soul’s journey to the afterlife.
Adding to the night’s magic, the program honored the centennial of composer Pierre Boulez with a performance of Domaines, his work for solo clarinet, followed by the electrifying energy of Quinn Mason’s Weapon Wheel, a piece that thundered through the hall with its dramatic use of three bass drums. Finally, Adam Schoenberg’s Reflecting Light brought a shimmering, poetic close to the night — an experience as moving as it was unforgettable.
“Honored to sponsor bright SPM freshmen for a night of music and connections in the fall of 2023! Investing in the next generation, one symphony at a time”: R.J. Atristaín-Carrión (bottom row, center) #Fall2023 #SPM #FutureLeaders
Ramiro J. Atristaín-Carrión
Planting seeds for the next generation
One of the most rewarding moments for me was seeing the excitement and awe in the eyes of young concertgoers. A group of college students from the inner city — many of whom are part of Serving People with a Mission (SPM), an organization dedicated to fostering leadership — joined us for the concert.
Their journey with the symphony began in 2023 when I had the privilege of hosting them for their first-ever classical performance (read more here). Seeing them return, now fully immersed in the experience, was like watching seeds take root. It’s a reminder that exposure to the arts doesn’t just create appreciation — it transforms lives.
"From sponsored guests to passionate attendees — two years later, these SPM students returned to the symphony, this time bringing friends!” says Ramiro J. Atristaín-Carrión. #FullCircle #SPM #MusicAndConnections
Todd Rosenberg Photography
Latino talent shining onstage
This concert wasn’t just about experiencing music — it was about seeing ourselves reflected in it. The performance featured three incredibly talented young Latino musicians:
Gabriela Lara, violin (CSO member)
Jesús Linárez, violin (CSO Fellow)
Pédro Méndez, viola (guest musician, currently in a fellowship with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, was shaped by the CSO’s own Civic Orchestra)
Their artistry was nothing short of inspiring. Seeing these musicians thrive on such a prestigious stage reinforced the importance of representation in classical music. And of course, guiding the night’s musical journey was MusicNOW composer-curator Jimmy López, whose masterful compositions have brought Latin American influences into concert halls worldwide.
A special finale: connecting with the artists
After the concert, all attendees were invited to participate in a reception and had the chance to meet the guest artists. It was a wonderful opportunity to engage with the musicians, hear their stories and celebrate the evening’s success in a more intimate setting. Moments like these reinforce the power of live music — not just as a performance but as a shared experience that builds connections and inspires future generations.
Looking ahead
The *Nuestras noches” event anchored by Jimmy López: Inner Dialogues was more than a concert — it was a celebration of artistry, heritage and the unifying power of music. It was a night in which young people discovered new possibilities, young Latino musicians took center stage, and we were all reminded why we love music in the first place.
Here’s to many more unforgettable nights like this — where music continues to bring us together, inspire new generations and open doors to endless possibilities!
