Forces + Fates: The Beauty and Volatility of Planet Earth
Forces+Fates marked the podium debut of Assistant Conductor Jonathan Rush. Photo credit: Ocken Photography.
Exploring the environment’s influence on art
The Chicago Sinfonietta champions diversity, equity, and inclusion by creating community through bold symphonic experiences. African American composer and conductor Paul Freeman founded the Sinfonietta in 1987 to bridge the disconnect between the lack of diversity in orchestras and the vibrant, nuanced, communities for which they play. The Sinfonietta represents the city of Chicago on stage and in its programming, making classical music accessible for everyone.
The Sinfonietta’s 32nd season opener (October 2019), Forces + Fates: The Beauty and Volatility of Planet Earth, is a timely depiction of sustainability and the ways in which the environment has and continues to influence art. Through the performance of such works as Mendelssohn’s The Hebrides, Clarice Assad’s Nhanderú, and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, the concert encouraged audience members to think about the irreversible effects of climate change and what they can do about it.
Before the concert and during intermission, audience members were invited to participate in related educational activities, including a demonstration by Plant Chicago on how to make seed balls. More than 300 oak tree saplings were distributed to guests by the Chicago Regional Trees Initiative (CRTI), a campaign dedicated to increasing the tree canopy in the Chicago region.
Get more stories like this delivered to your inbox.
Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates.
