Chicago Sinfonietta’s ‘Open Heart’ Concert Honors MLK with Resilient Community Tribute

CHICAGO (WLS) — The Chicago Sinfonietta is once again ready to inspire with its annual “Open Heart” concerts in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Scheduled for Sunday, January 18, at North Central College’s Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville and Monday, January 19, at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago, both performances commence at 4 p.m.

This year’s program promises a captivating lineup, including the world premiere of a suite by Katherine Bostic, renowned as the Sinfonietta’s inaugural resident composer. The event also features a commissioned piece by Joel Thompson, a distinguished member of the “Blacknificent 7,” a collective of some of today’s most promising composers. Rounding out the program is Antonín Dvořák’s iconic “New World” Symphony, a masterpiece that harmonizes diverse cultural influences.

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The concerts pay tribute to the pioneering legacy of Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, a pioneering African American surgeon who performed the first successful open-heart surgery in 1893. As a founder of Provident Hospital, the first Black-owned hospital in the United States, Dr. Williams’ work echoes the social commitment that Dr. King famously championed, marrying medical innovation with societal progress.

Remarkably, Dr. Williams’ historic surgery took place just months before Dvořák introduced his Ninth Symphony, “From the New World.” During his travels in America, Dvořák integrated African American spirituals, Native American motifs, and folk melodies into his symphony, crafting a piece that he believed captured the essence of the United States’ cultural tapestry. This composition, performed today, continues the dialogue on who shapes American music and whose narratives are finally being acknowledged.

“This program is incredibly special to all of us at Chicago Sinfonietta, as it encapsulates the core of our mission,” expressed Sidney Jackson, the organization’s President and CEO. “Just as Dr. King fostered community wherever he journeyed, so does our orchestra. We are a diverse ensemble of musicians reflecting the vibrant diversity and creativity of Chicago. Our mission has been steadfast for over two decades, and through performances like ‘Open Heart,’ we embrace our community while honoring the trailblazers who came before us.”

In further homage to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s enduring legacy of empathy and community service, the staff of Chicago Sinfonietta will dedicate January 19 to volunteering at the Pilsen Food Pantry. Their efforts will include assisting with food distribution, organizing donations, and supporting neighbors in need, reinforcing their ongoing commitment to community partnership.

Chicago Sinfonietta’s 2025-26 season features three remaining subscription programs, each performed in a distinguished Chicago venue-Studebaker Theater, Mandel Hall, The Auditorium, Harris Theater, and Pick-Staiger Hall-and in Naperville at Wentz Auditorium at North Central College. Other events and initiatives include the Freeman Fellowship program, monthly community performances, and much more.

Subscriptions and tickets for all events can be purchased via the website.