I’m often struck by how young people today have to navigate multiple realities. They grapple with how to show up through the bombardments of social media, blazing fast technological breakthroughs and global strife in an interdependent society.
This year, Uniting Voices debuted my original composition, “Multiverse,” which reflects these parallel universes. We honor the past, acknowledge the present, and crescendo to the future.
Dum vita est, spes est - while there is life, there is hope.
Just as this undercurrent of hope exists in the sonic commotion of "Multiverse," Uniting Voices grounds our youth in reality and connectedness amidst the noise of the surrounding world. From timid six-year-olds to confident ambassadors abroad, our singers crescendo to their full expression, empowered by culturally resonant education and a commitment to excellence.
As we transition from the leadership of David Koo to Ellen-Blair Chube, I want to express our deepest gratitude to David for his dedication and vision over the last five years. Reflecting on Ellen-Blair’s first year as chair, we have seen her relentless commitment to elevating our youth. Under her brilliant leadership, our organization has reached a powerful crescendo, building on her existing work and unwavering support to our organization.
In this report, we highlight the ways in which the 2023-24 season built upon Uniting Voices’ 67-year foundation to reach new heights. We expanded Chicago-based programming to 88 schools and 12 neighborhoods. We amplified diverse cultures and lived experiences, singing in languages such as Greek, Spanish, Arabic, Hebrew, Japanese, Macedonian, Tagalog, Zulu and dozens more. We elevated support for our core programs and new initiatives through the Crescendo Fund, securing the largest gift in our organizational history. We grew our global network for the next generation through the launch of our first program outside of Chicago: Uniting Voices Lexington.
We share our boisterous applause for the Uniting Voices community of singers, families, school and community partners, staff, supporters and volunteers, Ambassadors Board and Board of Directors. This vibrant family believes and embodies: Dum vita est, spes est - while there is life, there is hope.
With Gratitude,
Josephine Lee
President
Ellen-Blair Chube
Chairman of the Board
Uniting Voices President Josephine Lee's original composition, "Multiverse," reflects the parallel realities we navigate today. Featuring alum Vasil Garvanliev, who represented North Macedonia at Eurovision 2021, the piece embodies the motto Dum vita est, spes est - while there is life, there is hope. We honor the past, acknowledge the present, and look to the future while navigating all the universes we reside in while staying grounded in hope, light, and reality.
Listen Now
Watch our Mexico Tour Video!
Our biggest fans tagged along. Thank you to Bob and Rose Fealy, Donielle and Michael McCutcheon, Matt and Carrie Parr, Renee and John Salomon and Eduardo Valdes who joined us on the Mexico Tour.
Special thanks to Shure for amplifying the voices of our singers on tour!
The Crescendo Initiative has raised $7.5M in strategic investments toward deepening the impact of its core programs, strengthening sustainability and sharing its unique music, model and methodology. The organization received its largest donation ever in our 67 year history to support the initiative.
Pillars of Support
Provide a continuum of opportunity for singers ages 6 through 18 through nearly 100 school partnerships and programs in more than 50 Chicago community areas.
Double student scholarships for national and international tour experiences, allowing Chicago youth and their peers around the globe the opportunity to exchange ideas and celebrate their common humanity through the universal language of music.
Create new works inspired by the life experiences of today's youth.
We celebrated year one of Uniting Voices Lexington. Uniting Voices Lexington is the first local chapter outside of Chicago for Uniting Voices, building on the 67-year legacy of providing transformational musical programming to inspire and change lives.
Locally raised dollars directly support the regional activities of Uniting Voices Lexington.
CIBC has been a dedicated supporter of Chicago’s philanthropic community, having supported Uniting Voices Chicago for 15 years. In addition to its support of the annual Red Jacket Optional gala, CIBC proudly selected Uniting Voices Chicago as a partner for its 2023 Miracle Day, showcasing performances by students from Prescott Elementary at CIBC’s downtown headquarters. As one of Uniting Voices’ lead philanthropic partners, CIBC shares a commitment to building strong communities, promoting diversity and inclusion, fostering collaboration, and empowering individuals. Together, we strive to make a meaningful impact!
Dr. Jean-Paul Spire, Professor Emeritus in the Department of Neurology at University of Chicago, avid sailor, and arts enthusiast, passed away in 2021 and left a legacy gift of more than one million dollars to Uniting Voices Chicago. Introduced to the organization through 20-year Board of Directors veteran Jim Meyer, Dr. Spire had a passion for classical music and a deep appreciation for the power of arts and culture to enlighten and expose young people to global influences. Long-term gifts, such as this generous contribution from Dr. Spire, ensure our life-changing programs are available to any young person well into the future. Learn more about Uniting Voices’ planned giving society, Voice of Tomorrow.
Uniting Voices’ annual Paint the Town Red Giving Day was a massive success this year thanks to the generous match opportunities provided by D. Elizabeth Price and The Van Horne Foundation. We began with a $15,000 match opportunity from our steadfast champion, D. Elizabeth Price. Our donor community was eager to invest in Chicago's youth, and we met our first goal. This unlocked a second $15,000 match opportunity that we were honored to receive from The Van Horne Foundation. Once again, our donor community showed tremendous support and helped us meet this goal. It is because of the generosity of D. Elizabeth Price and The Van Horne Foundation that the organization experienced the collective impact of match opportunities, and it is opportunities like these that truly showcase the collaborative effect of our entire donor community. Generosity inspires generosity, and we are grateful for our donor advocates who act as our catalysts!
Our work wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our donor community. Thank you to our supporters for making it all possible.
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