The Music Institute of Chicago’s Academy Orchestra is preparing to deliver a powerful performance on at Nichols Concert Hall, tackling themes of grief, hope, and community healing through a thoughtfully curated program. The concert, set to begin at 7:30 p.m., will feature a piece directly inspired by the tragic 2022 Highland Park Independence Day parade shooting.
Central to the evening’s program is “Repair the World” by composer Stacy Garrop. The work, commissioned in the wake of the Highland Park tragedy, isn’t simply a musical composition; it’s a sonic memorial, born from extensive conversations with those impacted by the event. Garrop collaborated with Highland Park resident Joanne Bernstein, and together they interviewed city organizers, first responders, witnesses, and survivors to understand how music could contribute to the healing process. The composer sought to capture “the inherent goodness of the people who jumped into action to save the people who were injured and who provided resources to people afterwards,” according to reporting from the Chicago Tribune.
Garrop will be present at the concert to discuss her creative process and the emotional weight behind “Repair the World,” adding a layer of intimacy and understanding for the audience. This direct engagement underscores the orchestra’s commitment to presenting music not as a detached art form, but as a vital tool for communal processing, and recovery.
However, the program isn’t solely focused on trauma. The Academy Orchestra, under the direction of Academy Director James Setapen, has assembled a diverse selection of pieces designed to offer a broader emotional experience. The concert will include an arrangement of the Korean children’s folk song “Springtime in My Hometown” by Academy Coordinator and Orchestra Manager Ari Barack Fisher, a composer recognized for his award-winning work. This inclusion demonstrates a commitment to cultural diversity and accessibility within classical music.
Rounding out the program is a selection of works spanning several centuries and styles. Manuel Ponce’s “Estrellita,” or “My Little Star,” will be performed as part of the Music Institute’s “One Composer, One Community” initiative, highlighting the organization’s dedication to fostering a sense of shared artistic experience. The orchestra will also perform pieces by Bach, Holst, and Peck, including Bach’s Concerto for Two Keyboards, a performance showcasing the talents of resident piano duo Claire Aebersold and Ralph Neiweem, founders of the Chicago Duo Piano Festival. Holst’s Brook Green Suite and Russell Peck’s Signs of Life II will also feature.
The selection of pieces, taken as a whole, suggests a deliberate attempt to move beyond simply acknowledging grief and towards actively cultivating hope and resilience. The juxtaposition of Garrop’s emotionally charged work with lighter, more familiar pieces like “Springtime in My Hometown” and “Estrellita” creates a dynamic emotional landscape, mirroring the complex process of healing itself.
The Music Institute’s approach to this concert is particularly noteworthy in a cultural moment where the role of the arts in addressing collective trauma is increasingly recognized. By directly responding to a specific tragedy and actively engaging with the affected community, the Academy Orchestra is demonstrating the power of music to not only reflect the human experience, but to actively contribute to its repair. The free admission, with no reservations required, further emphasizes the Institute’s commitment to making this powerful musical experience accessible to all.
The performance at Nichols Concert Hall on promises to be more than just a concert; it’s a testament to the enduring power of music to heal, connect, and inspire hope in the face of adversity. The evening’s program, anchored by Stacy Garrop’s poignant “Repair the World,” offers a compelling example of how art can serve as a vital force for community resilience.
