News and Accolades

How to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month in Chicago

Chicago is a city renowned for its rich cultural diversity, and there’s no better time to experience this than during National Hispanic Heritage Month.

From Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, the city comes alive with celebrations that honor the contributions of the Hispanic and Latine communities. Whether you’re a lifelong Chicagoan or a first-time visitor, there are countless ways to immerse yourself in Chicago’s vibrant Hispanic cultures this month and all year long.

So get out and explore the neighborhoods, savor the flavors, and join in the festivities that make National Hispanic Heritage Month one of the most exciting times of the year in Chicago.

Canto Latino “Alma del Sur” from Uniting Voices (Oct. 5)

Today in Culture: Uniting Voices Chicago Sets Season

Uniting Voices Chicago announces its upcoming season with performances across the city, including “Canto Latino” at Senka Park, Voice of Chicago’s winter concert “Songs of the Season” at Harris Theater, the Black Futures Concert Series at Chicago Symphony Center and the spring performance at Pritzker Pavilion. Uniting Voices students will also perform as part of “La Bohème” at Lyric Opera of Chicago in March and Mäkelä Conducts Mahler 3 at Chicago Symphony Orchestra in April. “This season will showcase Uniting Voices singers harmonizing an enchanting mix of original songs, classical works, contemporary tunes and music from around the world.” Registration is open for Uniting Voices after-school programs for youth in communities across the city.

Uniting Voices Chicago unveils 2024-25 season and opens registration

Uniting Voices Chicago has unveiled its 2024-25 season, promising a series of engaging and diverse performances that aim to inspire and unite the community. Celebrating both emerging talents and seasoned performers, the season offers a rich mix of concerts and special events.

Featured performances this season will include the Uniting Voices youth ensembles’ annual winter concert ‘Songs of the Season’ at Harris Theater, a South American-themed performance ‘Canto Latino: Alma Del Sur’ at Senka Park, and a Black History Month performance at the Chicago Symphony Center called ‘Afrofuturism: The Freedom Metropolis.’ To end the season, the annual ‘Paint the Town Red’ concert will take place at Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park.

Registration is now open for the Uniting Voices Chicago after-school programs, which welcome youth ages 6-18 to participate in musical training and participate in this season’s performances. Tuition is based on family income and starts at $50 per year.

Uniting Voices Chicago Hosts SoundBites Showcase

Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly Chicago Children’s Choir) presented a musical showcase called SoundBites at Walden Chicago. The fundraiser featured the talents of its world-renowned high school ensemble and alumni-led band.

DJ Matt Roan emceed the fundraiser, which was attended by board chair Ellen-Blair Chube, Rohit Chandra, Ranjana Rajendran and nearly 250 young professionals who savored cocktails and hors d’oeuvres provided by the venue while taking in the music.

The event raised over $100,000 in support of Uniting Voices’ youth empowerment and music education programs, benefiting more than 3,000 Chicago youths.

Uniting Voices Chicago take over Pritzker Pavilion for 'Paint the Town Red'

Dozens of talented young Chicagoans took the stage Thursday at the Pritzker Pavilion.

People On The Move: Amy Alvarado Tinucci

Amy Alvarado Tinucci has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer at Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly Chicago Children’s Choir). With 15 years in philanthropy, Amy has led the development team at Uniting Voices to secure the largest contribution in the organization's nearly 70-year history. Previously at Lyric Opera of Chicago, she excelled in building relationships and driving fundraising efficiency. Amy is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE), and serves on the AFP Chicago Board.

Uniting Voices Chicago Presents Paint the Town Red Concert

Join Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly Chicago Children’s Choir) youth ensembles from neighborhoods across Chicago at Paint the Town Red, a free or “donate what you can” concert featuring an inspiring mix of original, classic, and contemporary songs from around the globe. The breadth of musical styles, genres and languages being performed reflect the global curriculum of Uniting Voices’ programs ranging from the Civil Rights song “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me ‘Round” to the Greek/Turkish tsifteteli dance to “Om Shanti” which combines many different cultural styles to a selection from the cantata Carmina Burana. And everyone will be on their feet for “The Best,” an energetic mashup of hits from Taylor Swift, Tina Turner, U2, Beyonce and more. Come kick off the summer concert season at this spectacular matinee!

Free and open to the public, the event is “donate what you can” and part of Uniting Voices’ Giving Day, with all donations made now through May 25^th being matched by local donors.

Chicagoan Josephine Lee uniting voices, leading city’s diverse youth into a global future

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. It’s a month that serves to celebrate the culture, history, and achievements of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Chicago and across the country.

Josephine Lee is uniting voices and has dedicated her career to teaching the importance of diversity and culture through music.

She takes her experience being raised by Korean immigrants and leads by example.

Uniting Voices Chicago Receives $4 Million Grant

Uniting Voices Chicago (formerly Chicago Children’s Choir) has received a $4 million anonymous grant from a national foundation, the largest contribution in the organization’s sixty-seven-year history and one of several unprecedented seven-figure gifts in the last year, totaling $8 million. The grant supports Uniting Voices’ Crescendo Initiative, which will increase student access to transformative musical instruction by expanding Uniting Voices programs and resources. “These programs empower and unite thousands of youth from diverse backgrounds to find their voice and celebrate their common humanity through the power of music,” says Uniting Voices.

Uniting Voices Chicago receives largest-ever gift, from anonymous donor

The folks who run Uniting Voices Chicago — a citywide youth choral organization with about 3,200 singers — feel pretty confident that they’ll be able to continue offering such “life-changing” opportunities, after announcing this week that they’ve received a $4 million gift from an anonymous donor — by far the largest gift the non-profit has ever received.

“We are thrilled that we were given this anonymous gift and someone recognizing us from New York City ... that they are recognizing the work that we’re doing,” said the organization’s president, Josephine Lee.

Millennium Park’s Free Summer Movies, Music And Workout Schedule Announced, Including Paint the Town Red

Millennium Park will host free concerts, movie screenings, workouts and more this summer.

The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events on Thursday released its summer lineup for Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., which celebrates its 20th anniversary this year.

Uniting Voices Chicago presents “Paint the Town Red”

11am, May 23

Six organizations, including Uniting Voices, united in their desire to find a common bond, “Bridging Divides: Sharing Heartbeats”

This honest and uplifting documentary focuses on six groups whose diverse members come together through shared interests, emotions and a desire to get to know each other. We discover how they find common ground in their humanity, a greater understanding and respect for each other, and are enriched by their diversity of experiences.

Uniting Voices Chicago (Chicago Children’s Choir) consists of 5,000 students in many different school choirs throughout the city of Chicago. Its goal is to foster understanding between young people of all races, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, gender identities and sexual orientations.