A Dream Unfolds

Arte y Vida Chicago
By Don Macica
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In early 1968, a young African-American conductor named Paul Freeman had a chance encounter with one of the pivotal figures in American history. It was in the middle of the night when Freeman crossed paths with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at the airport in Atlanta. When Dr. King inquired as to why he was there, Freeman replied that he was going to guest conduct the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. King remarked “Glory Hallelujah… the last bastion of elitism.”

Nearly 20 years later, Paul Freeman founded the Chicago Sinfonietta, an orchestra dedicated to diversity and inclusion. Classical music was, and to great extent remains, an art form practiced and appreciated by a primarily white, privileged segment of society. For nearly 25 years, Freeman has gone about knocking down barriers and opening doors with his orchestra, making steady progress in bringing classical music to everyone regardless of background.

It was another chance encounter that introduced flutist Elizabeth Diaz to the Chicago Sinfonietta. In the summer of 2009, the Sinfonietta was asked to perform with the National Mariachi Company of Mexico in their Mariachi Gala Concert at the Auditorium Theatre. At a press reception for the concert, a Sinfonietta staff member was describing the orchestra’s Project Inclusion program for young minority musicians to someone from the Mexican Civic Society. He smiled broadly as he introduced his daughter Elizabeth, freshly graduated from Loyola University. Elizabeth auditioned and was accepted as a Project Inclusion Fellow later that year.

“Maestro Paul Freeman is an inspiration to musicians and minorities” says Elizabeth. “He and the Chicago Sinfonietta have created unique performance opportunities for musicians that had never existed before. I am a product of his mission.”

She talks more about her heritage and the significance of her success. “My parents, who were born in Mexico, stressed that it was my responsibility to strive for excellence and make a difference in our community. Juan Silverio and Elva Diaz-Zanella did their part by being involved in the Mexican-American community and working with the Mexican Civic Society. Their work and dedication has been an inspiration to me and has encouraged me to contribute to my community through music.”

She goes on to discuss the challenges of being a minority in the classical world.

“It is often difficult for people to pursue their passion, and being a musician of color brings its own challenges. However, the Chicago Sinfonietta has given me a unique opportunity to pursue my passion and begin a fulfilling career in music. Project Inclusion offers young, minority musicians the opportunity to create music with some of the most esteemed artists in the world. Through Maestro Freeman’s vision of diversity and inclusiveness I have been able to pursue my passion for music in ways that I never dreamed imaginable.”

Maestro Paul Freeman is retiring at the end of this season from the organization he founded in 1987. The Chicago Sinfonietta in some ways owes its very existence to that chance encounter in Atlanta over four decades ago. On January 16 & 17 the maestro will lead his annual tribute concert to Dr. King for the last time. Sitting in the flute section will be Elizabeth Diaz.

“Dr. King pushed the status-quo and encouraged equal opportunities for minorities and the underprivileged. Maestro Freeman’s work with the Chicago Sinfonietta is an extension of Dr. King’s message” says Elizabeth. “Both of these inspirational men have greatly impacted society as a whole and the lives of individuals for the better. Without Maestro Freeman’s work, I would not have had the chance to perform on stage with such remarkable musicians. It’s is a privilege to call myself a Chicago Sinfonietta Project Inclusion Fellow.”