MIC Fall Festival: Sunday, November 15, 2026
Celebrate MIC's amazing musical community!
Co-Chairs: Renée Parquette and Audra Wilson
Co-Chair Emeriti: Kathy Nordmeyer and Zalman Usiskin
Join the Music Institute of Chicago for its annual all-school event showcasing students, faculty, and alumni. Performances highlight the breadth of our student body with music from our world-class faculty, youth and adult students, Suzuki groups, and MIC Academy orchestra. The concert concludes with a joyful community sing for all. In addition, MIC families and guests can enjoy a variety of family-friendly activities including photo both fun, sweet treats, and more!
Schedule of Events
1 PM: Pre-concert reception featuring photo booth and family-friendly activities
1:30 PM: Concert
All proceeds support scholarships and financial aid.
Become a Community Event Partner
The Fall Festival is only possible through the vital support of our community. Become a Community Event Partner today and support music making in your neighborhood.
Check out Community Partner benefits
To learn more about Community Event Partner benefits, contact Em Couling.
Your Support Matters
As a nonprofit, over 40% of our annual budget depends on donor support.
This year, we must raise more than $2.5 million to keep our mission thriving and ensure that every student has access to transformational music education, regardless of financial means.
Your generosity directly fuels scholarships, financial aid, and the exceptional programs that make the Music Institute a place where talent is nurtured and lives are changed through music.
When we unite in harmony, we open the doors of music education
to every student who longs to learn.
Thanks to a generous donor, contributions will be matched, doubling your impact!
Teacher and Alumni of Note Award Presentation
The afternoon festivities also include announcement of the Fourth Annual Teacher of Note Award. This award honors and expresses appreciation for the people who live the Music Institute’s mission every day: our internationally acclaimed, award-winning faculty. The 20026 recipient will be announced later in October.
Last year the Music Institute of Chicago was pleased to honor:
Suzuki violin and viola faculty Vannia Phillips.
Teacher of Note award recipients represent the excellence of the entire Music Institute faculty and demonstrate dedication, enthusiasm, and inspiration in their teaching.
Past TEACHERS OF NOTE Award Recipients
2025 Vannia Phillips
2024 Avi Friedlander and Davis King
2023 Bianca d’Avila do Prado and Dr. Christina Tio
In addition, the MIC will present its second annual Alumni of Note Award. This award will recognize an extraordinary alumni who has made important contributions through their work in music or another field. The 2026 Alumni Award will be announced later in October.
Last year we were pleased to honor MIC Suzuki cello and Musikgarten faculty member:
Julia Wen Mariano.
HONOR YOUR TEACHER OR AN ALUM WITH A GIFT OF SUPPORT
Enjoy MIC Student and Faculty Performances
