Chicago Symphony believes in the power of music to uplift, inspire and transform lives.
Piloted during the 2023/24 Season, this new project, produced in partnership with the Chicago Refugee Coalition, has created a forum for Chicago-based refugees to use music as a vehicle for telling stories and expressing cultural identities.
In collaboration with the Civic Fellows and mentors from the Irene Taylor Trust, people affiliated with the Coalition sit for interviews, after which the Fellows curate, arrange music and perform a showcase concert. The performance and project presents a positive and inspiring point of view on resilience, creativity, community and the critical importance of empathy.
The program continues during the 2026/27 Season with a finale concert on Wednesday, May 19.
2023/24 Civic Fellows x Chicago Refugee Coalition Concert
Civic Fellows x Chicago Refugee Coalition concert in Buntrock Hall at Chicago 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.
