What:
Introductions in the Community Livestream with The People's Music School
Where:
Stream for free on WFMT's Facebook Page!
When:
Thursday, November 19, 6:00 pm
WTTW and WFMT are committed to producing and presenting trusted, best-in-class content fueled by a distinctly Chicago sensibility. In the Spring of 2020, WFMT had planned to launch Introductions in the Community, a community engagement initiative designed to inspire children through peer-led experiences with live classical music. Due to the pandemic, WFMT has decided to make this program virtual.
This initiative is an expansion of WFMT’s popular weekly Saturday morning program, Introductions, hosted and produced by Robbie Ellis. Introductions highlights the finest pre-collegiate musicians in the Chicago area. Programs featuring soloists and chamber ensembles are broadcast live from WFMT’s Fay and Daniel Levin Performance Studio. Large ensembles, including bands, orchestras, and choirs, are recorded at their home venues and broadcast at later dates. During the pandemic, Introductions has been recording remotely at partner venues; philanthropic support enabled WFMT to purchase and assemble an audio/video recording kit that is now loaned to performers so they can record themselves at home.
On November 19, 2020, WFMT will be hosting its first Introductions in the Community virtual event in partnership with The People’s Music School (TPMS). The program will feature excerpt performances by TPMS students. In addition, Robbie Ellis will moderate a panel discussion featuring Jennifer Kim Matsuzawa (TPMS President and Artistic Director), Nalini Kotamraju (TPMS Alumna), and Ana Soto TPMS Parent).
Additionally, the TPMS student performances will be featured in an Introductions radio broadcast on Saturday November 28, 2020.
The coronavirus pandemic has curtailed WFMT’s plans to provide in-school experiences for schoolchildren for the time being. WFMT is planning to continue to partner with The People’s Music School and other organizations for similar events until health and safety concerns allow teachers, students, and musicians to return to the classroom.