One Composer, One Community

One Composer, One Community, first launched at the Music Institute of Chicago in 2021, focuses on the life and work of a single underrepresented composer over the course of an academic year.

During the 2026-2027 school year MIC will celebrate and explore the music of Amy Beach (1867-1944). Amy Beach, whose "Gaelic" Symphony was premiered by the Boston Symphony Orchestra in 1896, is considered the first American female composer to be recognized for her composition of large-scale art music. Recognized as a child prodigy, she began improvising and composing before the age of 5. Over the course of her life she wrote over 300 compositions including work for solo piano, chamber and instrumental music, vocal and choral pieces, and orchestral works.

This program is entirely funded by people like you!

Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous trustee,
your gift to One Composer, One Community will be matched, doubling your impact!

DONATE TO One Composer, One Community

Your gift brings the unique contributions of gifted composers from every corner of the world to thousands of students each year. Thank you!

One Composer, One Community Celebration Concert
Featuring the music of Amy Beach
Friday, March 5, 2027 at 7:30 PM

Nichols Concert Hall
1490 Chicago Avenue, Evanston

Over the course of the academic year, students and teachers from across the Music Institute of Chicago will study and perform works by Amy Beach culminating with a free, public concert.

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One Composer, One Community Reception 2025

Student pianist at Nichols Concert Hall for One Composer, One Community performance

MIC Faculty Sang Mee Lee at Nichols Concert Hall

Student and Faculty cellists perform at One Composer, One Community Concert

Images from One Composer, One Community 2025 concert featuring MIC students, faculty, and special guests.

Professional Development

Each year the One Composer, One Community initiative includes professional development opportunities for faculty and colleague arts organizations.

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The History of One Composer, One Community

The Music Institute of Chicago uses the power of music to educate, inspire, and bring comfort to the communities we serve.

Through our One Composer, One Community initiative, MIC partners with a composer and connects MIC student musicians of all ages and levels with their music.

In May 2020, nearly a hundred faculty and staff members gathered to reflect on how MIC could improve diversity and inclusion within our environment. A Diversity and Inclusion Working Group, facilitated by Trustees Carlos Cardenas and Barbara Sereda and comprised of a diverse representation of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and current families, formed.

As part of this process, MIC developed the "One Composer, One Community" program, a curriculum and related performances relevant to and celebrating communities.

Each year, MIC focuses on the music of an under-represented composer that will be highlighted in MIC teaching studios and on stage at Nichols Concert Hall.

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