William Grant Nonetheless (1895-1978)
(Courtesy Photograph)
The choice by Chicago Philharmonic to open its 2022-23 live performance season Thursday with a program centered on variety was effectively inside character for the orchestra.
Variety had lengthy been a priority for the musician-run orchestra and
its conductor, Scott Speck. Its effort to offer higher illustration
for black composers and performers ramped up significantly since nationwide
incidents of racial injustice in 2020 prompted a self-examination
inside the classical music neighborhood.
Chicago Philharmonic additionally underscored its sincerity on this concern
final yr by hiring Terrell Johnson, a younger Black innovator, as its
govt director.