D-Composed Fifth Anniversary Showcase

Join D-Composed, the award-winning Chicago-based chamber music ensemble that presents the music of Black composers performed by Black musicians, to celebrate their fifth anniversary with a showcase of new music, film, puppetry and performances featuring Caitlin Edwards on violin, Khelsey Zarraga on violin, Wilfred Farquharson on viola, and Tahirah Whittington on cello.

Continuing to interrupt notions of what constitutes “classical music,” D-Composed presents an imaginative gala around the theme of “Home,” featuring world-premiere performances of works by composers Lauren McCall ("The Starting Place") and Jonathan Miller as well as a new collaboration with self-described “accidental puppeteer” Sam Lewis. An uncommon artist whose brand of Black Americana dives headlong into issues of identity and ancestry, Lewis’ work will be scored, live, by the ensemble with an original work by up-and-comer Ahmed Al Abaca. Rounding out this prismatic program is Breakaway, by Chicago Symphony Mead Composer-in-Residence Jessie Montgomery. A true homecoming celebration, D-Composed is excited to return to the Arts Block, where their first performance took place in 2017.

About the Artists:

Founded by executive director Kori Coleman and artistic director Yelley Taylor, D-Composed has already assembled an impressive list of collaborators including TEDx, Apple Store, The Kennedy Center, and MCA Chicago. Eschewing the one-and-done approach to outreach so prevalent elsewhere in the classical scene, by contrast, the group has cultivated a sense of belonging through ongoing family-friendly concerts, sonic meditations, and programming reflective of the communities they serve. As the arts at large, and classical music in particular, begins to reckon with inequity and injustice, one Chicago ensemble is already celebrating five years of peerless advocacy of Black brilliance and Black music.

Program:

Grandpa James - Sam Lewis (puppeteer) and Ahmed Al Abaca (composer)

A Change is Gonna Come - Joel Thompson (arr.)

The Starting Place - Lauren McCall

Breakaway - Jessie Montgomery

Pain & Progression - Jonathan Miller

Donations for D-Composed Gives!

It is because of supporters and patrons like you that D-Composed is 5-years strong in their mission to amplify the works of Black composers and musicians. With your support, they can continue creating impactful and innovative programming.

In honor of this anniversary, please consider making a tax-deductible donation using the donation ticket option to D-Composed Gives so they can continue creating impactful programming for our communities in 2023 and beyond.

If you are unable to attend but would like to show support, please click the following link for more ways to support D-Composed: https://www.dcomposed.com/donate

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Green Line Performing Arts Center, 329 East Garfield Boulevard, Chicago, United States