Chicago Sinfonietta honors heritage of Diwali

Dave Vasudevan

CHICAGO: Chicago Sinfonietta, “the nation’s most diverse orchestra,” honored the heritage and traditions of Diwali during its inaugural “Celebration of Light” fundraiser in the Madden Theatre at North Central College of Fine Arts in Naperville, a Chicago suburb

Presented by the organization’s West Suburban Friends in partnership with the Celebration of Light Host Committee, the event generated record-breaking attendance and funds in support of Chicago Sinfonietta’s education and

community outreach programs.

“We were delighted to receive incredibly positive feedback from so many audience members and to see the diversity of our audience further augmented by so many new attendees from the Indian communities in the western suburbs and Chicago,” said Chicago Sinfonietta Chief Executive Officer Jim Hirsch.

Chicago Sinfonietta supporters and staff designed the event in tandem with the orchestra’s fall concert, Sea of Light: Reflections on Diwali, a fusion of Western and Indian classical repertoire following the fundraiser.

Guests enjoyed an evening of Diwali-inspired décor by Vchilli Events. Featured programming included interactive Rangoli making with artist Shweta Baid, an Indian dance performance by Madhura Sane, henna design with artists Asmita Vaghani and Rupali Navadiya, a fashion show from the Vibgyor by Monica collection, and a procession of light alongside dhol player Kabir Singh Chawla. Attendees also enjoyed an Indian buffet dinner courtesy of Indian Harvest,

The Celebration of Light is the first of several West Suburban Chicago Sinfonietta fundraisers to highlight the festival of Diwali. The organization decided to expand the reach of the program following the success of its Dia de Los Muertos fundraisers and concerts.

Now in its 31^st year, Chicago Sinfonietta is dedicated to promoting diversity, inclusion, racial and cultural equity in the arts. Each concert experience blends inventive new works with classical masterworks, each from a diverse array of voices, to entertain, transform and inspire. Chicago Sinfonietta is inspired by founder Paul Freeman (1936-2015). The orchestra’s 31 years have been highlighted by six European tours, two Kennedy Center performances, three Millennium Park concerts attended by over 19,000 people and 16 recordings.