Chicago Immigrant Orchestra: A Tapestry of Cultures

Get ready to witness the awe-inspiring Chicago Immigrant Orchestra at Elmhurst University’s Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel on Sunday, March 26. The orchestra is a group of 20 talented musicians who showcase a wide range of musical traditions from across the globe. By blending the distinct sounds of instruments native to their respective countries, the orchestra creates a unique and harmonious musical experience. At McGrath Elmhurst Toyota, we know you’ll enjoy the unique blend of global musical traditions by the ensemble’s talented members.

The Chicago Immigrant Orchestra was founded in 1999 by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events to provide a platform for immigrant musicians to showcase their musical prowess. After a hiatus in 2004, Fareed Haque and Wanees Zarour restarted the orchestra in 2019 by. Despite the pandemic-related restrictions, the orchestra garnered critical acclaim for its stunning virtual performance in September 2020.

Fareed Haque is an exceptional contemporary guitarist known for his mastery of the instrument and his diverse musical styles. He has a fearless approach to musical innovation, while staying true to his roots. Haque has collaborated with several musicians on various projects, including the critically acclaimed Goran Ivanovic/Fareed Haque guitar duo. His ability to seamlessly blend different genres of music has made him a sought-after musician in the industry, and he continues to push the boundaries of modern guitar playing.

Wanees Zarour is a talented musician known for his skills as a composer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist. He specializes in Middle Eastern music and has experience in modern jazz and other global musical styles. He directs the Middle East Music Ensemble at the University of Chicago. This 60-piece group celebrates the beauty and intricacy of Middle Eastern music. Zarour also leads East Loop, a jazz fusion group where he seamlessly blends his diverse musical influences to create a unique sound. His in-depth knowledge of Middle Eastern music and his ability to combine different genres make Zarour a highly sought-after musician.

Haque and Zarour’s leadership has allowed the Chicago Immigrant Orchestra to continue creating new musical pieces that showcase a wide range of musical influences from around the world.

Date and Time:
Sunday, March 26, 2-3:30 p.m.
Doors open at 1:30 p.m.

Location:
Elmhurst University
Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel
190 Prospect Ave.
Elmhurst, IL 60126

Admission:

• General Admission: $15
• Under 18: $10
• A limited number of free tickets are available for Elmhurst University students/faculty/staff (ID required).

Get tickets online at https://bit.ly/422WCc1.

For More Information:
Visit www.elmhursthistory.org.