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 2025-2026 school year MIC will celebrate and explore the music of Manuel María Ponce (1882-1948), one of Mexico’s foremost composers, widely acknowledged as a pioneer of musical nationalism and recognized for bridging the gaps between categories like popular, classical, folk and orchestral. His prolific catalogue contains more than 300 compositions. He was called the “creator of the modern Mexican song.” 

Especially recognized for his contributions to the guitar repertoire, he also wrote a substantial number of composition for the piano as well as chamber music and orchestral works.

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.