The Music Institute Academy Orchestra is preparing to present a moving program on Saturday, February 21st, at Nichols Concert Hall in Evanston, Illinois. The performance, beginning at 7:30 p.m., will feature a piece directly responding to a moment of profound community trauma: the mass shooting at the Highland Park Independence Day parade in 2022. This free concert offers a space for reflection and healing through the power of music, showcasing both established composers and emerging talent.
Central to the evening’s program is Repair the World, a composition by Stacy Garrop. Created in the wake of the tragic events in Highland Park, the work aims to honor the victims and survivors whereas fostering a sense of communal recovery. Garrop is not only contributing her music but will also be present at the concert to speak to the audience about the piece and its origins, according to the Music Institute of Chicago. Details about the concert are available on the Music Institute’s website.
A Diverse Program of Musical Expression
The orchestra, under the direction of Academy Director James Setapen, will present a varied program alongside Garrop’s poignant work. The concert will also include Springtime in My Hometown, an arrangement of a traditional Korean children’s folk song by Ari Barack Fisher, who serves as Academy Coordinator and Orchestra Manager. Fisher is an award-winning composer, bringing his expertise to this culturally rich selection.
Adding to the international flavor of the evening, the orchestra will perform Estrellita, or My Little Star, by Mexican composer Manuel Ponce. This piece is part of the Music Institute’s “One Composer, One Community” initiative, designed to highlight and celebrate diverse musical voices. The program also features the timeless classic, Bach’s Concerto for Two Keyboards, performed by Claire Aebersold and Ralph Neiweem, founders of the Chicago Duo Piano Festival and resident pianists at the Music Institute.
Showcasing Talent and Community Connection
The performance isn’t limited to solo pieces and arrangements. Aebersold and Neiweem will also collaborate on English composer Gustav Holst’s Brook Green Suite and Russell Peck’s Signs of Life II, further demonstrating the breadth of the orchestra’s capabilities. The Music Institute Academy Orchestra provides a platform for young musicians to hone their skills and share their artistry with the public.
The concert is free and open to the public, requiring no reservations for admission. Attendees can experience this powerful evening of music at Nichols Concert Hall, located at 1490 Chicago Avenue in Evanston. The Evanston Roundtable originally reported on the upcoming performance, highlighting the orchestra’s commitment to both artistic excellence and community engagement.
Livestream Option Available
For those unable to attend in person, the concert will also be available via livestream, expanding access to this important musical event. This allows a wider audience to experience the healing power of music and connect with the orchestra’s performance. The Academy Concert Season 2025-2026 continues to offer accessible and enriching cultural experiences for the community.
The Music Institute of Chicago’s Academy Orchestra concerts are scheduled throughout the year, with upcoming performances planned for May 30, 2026, marking the 20th Anniversary Kick-Off Celebration Concert and Senior Recognition Ceremony. Further details about the Music Institute’s programs and events can be found on their website.
Following Saturday’s performance, the Academy Orchestra will continue rehearsals in preparation for their May concert. The Music Institute encourages those interested in supporting their programs to explore opportunities for involvement and contribution.
If you are affected by the Highland Park shooting or are experiencing emotional distress, resources are available. You can uncover support through the Highland Park City website or by contacting the Illinois Crisis Hotline at 800-722-HELP (4357).
We invite you to share your thoughts on this upcoming concert and the role of music in community healing in the comments below.
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