William Grant Still (1895-1978)
(Courtesy Photo)
The decision by Chicago Philharmonic to open its 2022-23 concert season Thursday with a program focused on diversity was well within character for the orchestra.
Diversity had long been a concern for the musician-run orchestra and
its conductor, Scott Speck. Its effort to provide better representation
for black composers and performers ramped up considerably since national
incidents of racial injustice in 2020 prompted a self-examination
within the classical music community.
Chicago Philharmonic also underscored its sincerity on this issue
last year by hiring Terrell Johnson, a young Black innovator, as its
executive director.
