"Celebrating Juneteenth!: Music by African-American Composers"
2024-06-23 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Chicago) | Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton St, Skokie, IL, 60077, United States
In celebration of Juneteenth, Crossing Borders Music’s Wilfred Farquharson, viola, and Tom Clowes, cello, share about their journeys promoting Black American voices in the Western classical music world. They will also perform some of their favorite short pieces, including the world premiere of “A Quiet Lament” by Brittany J Green, and more!
60 minute lecture/recital
Thanks to the Skokie Library for making this event possible. This season of Crossing Borders Music performances is made possible through the support of the Paul M Angell Family Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the New Music USA Organizational Development Fund, the John R Halligan Fund, and CliffDwellers Foundation. Crossing Borders Music acknowledges the support of the Illinois Arts Council.

Richès Dayiti: Rediscovered Haitian Piano Treasures with Marianne Parker
2024-06-29 15:00 - 16:30 | Harold Washington Library, 400 S State St, Chicago, IL, 60605, United States
Haitian composers have written piano music for centuries to show the international community they could write just as beautifully as any European composer, and that Haitian and West African cultural influences were just as worthy of inclusion in piano music. But until now, their works were suppressed in the Western classical music world. Hear Crossing Borders Music pianist Marianne Parker’s sensitive, suave interpretations of her favorites from the Haitian piano music repertoire, which she has tirelessly championed for many years. The performance includes music preserved through the painstaking work of the Société de recherche et de diffusion de la musique Haïtienne (Haitian Music Society).
Free and open to the public!
This is Marianne’s FINAL performance with Crossing Borders Music, and a chance for all of us to honor her astonishing artistry and great contributions to the CBM community over many, many years!
Thanks to the Harold Washington Library for making this event possible. This season of Crossing Borders Music performances is made possible through the support of the Paul M Angell Family Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the New Music USA Organizational Development Fund, the John R Halligan Fund, and CliffDwellers Foundation. Crossing Borders Music acknowledges the support of the Illinois Arts Council.

Late Night at the Galleries|A Global Musical Journey for All Ages
2024-07-10 18:00 - 20:00 | The Art Center Highland Park, 1957 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, IL, 60035, United States
Crossing Borders Music celebrates musical stories of resilience in a performance of string quartet music by composers from around the world. This unique string quartet program features music by composers from Uganda, Argentina, the Soviet Union, the Chickasaw Nation, Taiwan, and the US. Each piece shares a unique story of resilience, whether in the face of personal loss, political oppression, or other people’s incorrect
assumptions!
Free and open to the public!
Pictured: a black and white photo of Florence Price, a light-skinned Black woman wearing earrings and a dark dress, looking reflective in front of a background of handwritten music manuscript

Love Beyond Freedom: The Journey to Justice
2024-07-11 19:00 - 20:30 | Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton St, Skokie, IL, 60077, United States
As part of the Skokie Library’s “Love Beyond Freedom” celebration of Juneteenth and beyond, join Crossing Borders Music on a string quartet musical journey from slavery to our shared human future. With music by historic, contemporary, and emerging African-American composers highlighting impactful turning points in African-American history, this is an inspirational concert that everyone will enjoy!

Performed by Caroline Jesalva and Jennifer Leckie, violins; Wilfred Farquharson, viola; and Tom Clowes, cello; featuring music by Jessica T Carter, Jordyn Davis, Thomas “Blind Tom” Wiggins, Carlos Simon, and more!

Night Out in the Parks: Cambodian Music, The Living Tradition
2024-07-20 14:00 - 15:30 | Tobey Prinz Beach Park, 1050 W. Pratt Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60626, United States
Cambodian Music: The Living Tradition
Crossing Borders Music joins musicians of the National Cambodian Heritage Museum and its Resident Artist Nisa Pov for an amazing afternoon of new fusion arrangements of Cambodian classics! The performance includes beautiful new arrangements made for the 2021 Cambodian Day of Remembrance.
This event is part of Night Out in the Parks and supported in part by the Paul M Angell Family Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the John R Halligan Fund, the Cliff Dwellers Arts Foundation, and by individuals like you. Crossing Borders Music acknowledges the support of the Illinois Arts Council.
FREE and open to the public

Late Night at the Galleries|Songs of Peru with Luis Galvez
2024-08-07 18:00 - 20:00 | The Art Center Highland Park, 1957 Sheridan Road, Highland Park, IL, 60035, United States
Honor and celebrate Peru through its songs, dances, and instrumental music as the Crossing Borders Music String Quartet is joined by special guest Peruvian tenor Luis Galvez! Luis sings favorite songs including the original version of “El condor pasa” by Daniel Alomía Robles and “La flor de la canela” (“The Cinnamon Flower”) by Chabuca Granda. Hear also “Manaña cuando me vaya” (“When I Leave Tomorrow”), the Afro-Peruvian Christmas dance Hatajo de Negritos, the Andean Passacalle “El Huascarán,” the Danza Peruana No. 8 by Armando Guevara Ochoa, and more!
Thanks to the Harold Washington Library for making this event possible. This season of Crossing Borders Music performances is made possible through the support of the Paul M Angell Family Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the New Music USA Organizational Development Fund, the John R Halligan Fund, and CliffDwellers Foundation. Crossing Borders Music acknowledges the support of the Illinois Arts Council.
Pictured: a black and white photo of tenor Luis Galvez, a Latino man with a mustache sporting a tuxedo and bow tie as he folds his arms and looks seriously towards the camera

We Walk: Evanston
2024-08-24 13:00 - 17:00 | Dawes Park, Dawes Park east of Sheridan Rd between Lake Street and Greenwood St (around1413 Sheridan Rd), Evanston, IL, 60201
Free and open to the public

Join the Haitian American Museum of Chicago and Crossing Borders Music for a one-day outdoor exhibition “We Walk: A Celebration of Black Community”. This community exhibition highlights the excellence and contributions of Black America in the local community and beyond. The event features exhibits curated by community partners on topics related to Black community, history, and culture. Plus, a LIVE Crossing Borders Music concert of string music by Black composers at 2PM! Featuring Klap Ur Handz by Daniel Bernard Roumain, Carlos Simon’s Elegy for victims of police brutality, newly commissioned arrangements of the exciting music of the virtuoso pianist who was born enslaved, Thomas “Blind Tom” Wiggins, and new music by youth from Chicago’s West Side!
Taking place at Dawes Park, east of Sheridan Road, between Lake Street and Greenwood St (around 1413 Sheridan Road) in Evanston.

“We Walk: A Celebration of Black Community” is a program created by the Haitian American Museum of Chicago (HAMOC) who invited Crossing Borders Music’s participation in this ongoing, uplifting project.
This project is supported by a grant from the Evanston Arts Council, an agency supported by the City of Evanston, as well as the Paul M Angell Family Foundation, the John R Halligan Fund, and Cliff Dwellers Arts Foundation. Crossing Borders Music acknowledges the support of the Illinois Arts Council.

Photo: Artist Lowell Thompson at a previous “We Walk” in front of a poster of his Colored Wheel sculpture, credit Haitian American Museum of Chicago

Night out in the Parks: Looking Back and Looking Forward
2024-09-07 14:00 - 15:30 | Park No. 534, 1300 S St Louis Ave, Chicago, IL, 60623, United States
Looking Back and Looking Forward: African-American Composers
This program features world premiere performances of music by four youth composers from music programs on Chicago‘s West Side who took part in Crossing Borders Music’s second-annual Young Composers Project! Plus, hear music by Black American composers of yesterday and today, including a new piece commissioned of composer and Young Composers Project mentor Jessica T Carter!
FREE and open to the public

This event is part of Night Out in the Parks and supported in part by the Paul M Angell Family Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the John R Halligan Fund, the Cliff Dwellers Arts Foundation, and by individuals like you. Crossing Borders Music acknowledges the support of the Illinois Arts Council.

Night Out In the Parks: Cambodian Music, The Living Tradition
2024-09-14 17:00 - 18:30 | Global Garden Refugee Training Farm, 4827 N Sacramento Ave, Chicago, IL, 60625
Crossing Borders Music joins musicians of the National Cambodian Heritage Museum and its Resident Artist Nisa Pov for an amazing afternoon of new fusion arrangements of Cambodian classics! The performance includes beautiful new arrangements made for the 2021 Cambodian Day of Remembrance.

This event is part of Night Out in the Parks and supported in part by the Paul M Angell Family Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the John R Halligan Fund, the Cliff Dwellers Arts Foundation, and by individuals like you. Crossing Borders Music acknowledges the support of the Illinois Arts Council.

FREE and open to the public

World Dumpling Fest 2024
2024-09-21 13:25 - 14:10 | logan square park, 3150 W. Logan Blvd, Chicago, IL, 60647, United States
Crossing Borders Music performs with the National Cambodian Heritage Museum’s Traditional Cambodian Music Ensemble at the World Dumpling Fest 2024 celebration sponsored by Chicago Cultural Alliance.
World Dumpling Fest celebrates Chicago’s diverse cultures with music, dance, and dumplings from over 10 local restaurants. Hosted by the Chicago Cultural Alliance in Logan Square, this all-ages event features food, music, and local businesses sharing their cultural crafts. The fest also serves as a fundraiser supporting the Alliance’s mission to promote and advocate for over 40 cultural heritage centers across Chicagoland.
Accessibility: Logan Square Park in Chicago is accessible with several features, including wide, paved pathways for wheelchair access, accessible restrooms, and seating areas with space for mobility devices. The playground has inclusive equipment and a rubberized surface. The park is well-lit and easily accessible by public transportation, including the nearby Logan Square Blue Line station, which has elevators. For more info, please contact Tom Clowes at 773-442-2195 or e-mail tom@crossingbordersmusic.org.
All audiences are welcome to join us at this program
This is a free event and dumplings are purchased using Tasting Tickets which are available to purchase onsite or via the ticket link (https://runsignup.com/TicketEvent/WorldDumplingFest).

Chicago Composers: the Next Generation
2024-12-17 19:30 - 21:00 | Experimental Sound Studio, 5925 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL, 60660
“Chicago Composers: the Next Generation” celebrates the work of composers in the Crossing Borders Music Young Composers Project. In the project, youth from music programs in North Lawndale and Garfield Park receive weekly composition lessons and write a piece for the Crossing Borders Music string quartet. Hear their fresh, new approaches to an age-old genre! Plus, hear music commissioned by Crossing Borders Music of emerging African-American composers including brand new works by Jessica T Carter, AJ Isaacson-Zvidzwa, and more!
Thanks to New Music Chicago for making this event possible. This season of Crossing Borders Music performances is made possible through the support of the Paul M Angell Family Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the New Music USA Organizational Development Fund, the John R Halligan Fund, and CliffDwellers Foundation. Crossing Borders Music acknowledges the support of the Illinois Arts Council.
Image description: Jessica T. Carter, a young Black woman, poses with a hand on her hip in a green gown and pearl necklace in what appears to be a cathedral

Chicago Composers: The Next Generation
2025-01-26 15:00 | Harold Washington Library, Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, 400 S State St, United States, Chicago, IL, 60605, United States
“Chicago Composers: the Next Generation” celebrates the work of young composers from Garfield Park and North Lawndale!
In Crossing Borders Music’s Young Composers Project project, youth from music programs in North Lawndale and Garfield Park receive weekly composition lessons and write a piece for the Crossing Borders Music string quartet. Hear their fresh, new approaches to an age-old genre!
Plus, hear music commissioned by Crossing Borders Music of emerging African-American composers including brand new works by Jessica T Carter, AJ Isaacson-Zvidzwa, and more!
Free and open to the public!
Date: 26th January 2025
Time: 3 pm
Location: Harold Washington Library’s Grand Lobby (ground floor – wheelchair-accessible)
To communicate any accessibility requests please contact Tom Clowes at 773-442-2195 or tom@crossingbordersmusic.org

Music From Under-Represented Composers
2025-02-06 19:30 | UWM Music Building, Recital Hall, 2400 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53211, 2400 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53211, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53211
Music From Under-Represented Composers

UWM’s Chamber Music Milwaukee’s 3rd concert of the season highlights the works of Mexican, Haitian, and Egyptian composers, performed by UWM faculty members and musicians from Crossing Borders Music.

Date: Feb. 6, 2025Time: 7:30 pmVenue: UWM Music Building, Recital Hall, 2400 E. Kenwood Blvd., Milwaukee, WI 53211

This event is Free concert and open to the public

Cambodian Music: The Living Tradition
2025-02-23 15:00 | Harold Washington Library, Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, 400 S State St, United States, Chicago, IL, 60605, United States
Crossing Borders Music joins the National Cambodian Heritage Museum Traditional Music Ensemble for an amazing fusion of Cambodian and European traditional instruments performing Cambodian classics! The performance features new arrangements made for the Cambodian Day of Remembrance by former Crossing Borders Music violinist Rasa Mahmoudian and overseen by Nisa Pov, Resident Artist of the Cambodian Museum. Pov provides a short introduction to each piece.
Free and open to the public!
This season of Crossing Borders Music performances is made possible through the support of the Paul M Angell Family Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the New Music USA Organizational Development Fund, the John R Halligan Fund, and CliffDwellers Foundation. Crossing Borders Music acknowledges the support of the Illinois Arts Council.
Harold Washington Library’s Cindy Pritzker Pavilion is wheelchair-accessible. To communicate any accessibility requests please contact Tom Clowes at 773-442-2195 or tom@crossingbordersmusic.org

Stories and Music of Resilience
2025-03-23 15:00 | Harold Washington Library, Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, 400 S State St, United States, Chicago, IL, 60605, United States
Stories and Music of Resilience: A Global Musical Journey for All Ages
Crossing Borders Music celebrates musical stories of resilience in a performance of string quartet music by composers from around the world. This unique string quartet program features music by composers from Uganda, Argentina, the Soviet Union, the Chickasaw Nation, Taiwan, and the US. Each piece shares a unique story of resilience, whether in the face of personal loss, political oppression, or other people’s incorrect assumptions!
Free and open to the public!
This season of Crossing Borders Music performances is made possible through the support of the Paul M Angell Family Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the New Music USA Organizational Development Fund, the John R Halligan Fund, and Cliff Dwellers Foundation. Crossing Borders Music acknowledges the support of the Illinois Arts Council.
Harold Washington Library’s Cindy Pritzker Pavilion is wheelchair-accessible. To communicate any accessibility requests please contact Tom Clowes at 773-442-2195 or tom@crossingbordersmusic.org

Struggle, Resistance, and Hope: Music by Haitian Composers
2025-04-25 19:00 - 21:00 | International Museum of Surgical Science 1524 North Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60610 United States, 1524 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL, 60610, United States
Crossing Borders Music shares string quartets by Haitian composers in this moving program of resilience, resistance, and hope at the International Museum of Surgical Science!
The program includes one of the first-ever performances of Incertitudes! and Haiti’s Lecture by Haitian composer Dickens Princivil, commissioned by Crossing Borders Music after Dickens was kidnapped and released. The program also includes Rudy Perrault’s “Exodus” string quartet dedicated to all people forced to leave their homeland, “Chrysallis devient papillon” (“Chrysalis Becomes Butterfly”) which is a metaphor for positive transformation by Sabrina CD Jean Louis, plus hopeful music showing the incredible talents of Haiti’s next generation of musicians, and more!

Mourning, Refuge, and Unity: String Quartets from the Arab World
2025-04-26 15:00 - 17:00 | Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave, Evanston, IL 60201, 1703 Orrington Ave, Evanston, IL 60201, Chicago, IL, 60605, United States
This program shares music by composers from the Levant or “Arab World” and the gripping stories behind it. Each piece was selected and published by Palestinian Jordanian Canadian musician Shireen Abu Khader, who says “In spite of wars and catastrophes, it is unity that holds people together… Isn’t music a form of this unity?” The program includes “Lao Rahal Soti” (“If My Voice Departs”) by Samih Choukeir, which emotionally states, “Even if my voice departs [if I die], your voice will remain… bringing together the broken and suffering hearts.”

Don’t miss this incredibly moving program of mourning, refuge, solace, and unity.
Free and open to the public!

Date: Saturday, April 26Time: 3pmVenue: Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave, Evanston, IL 60201

Free and Open to the Public!

This program is made possible by the Evanston Arts Council, with additional support from the Paul M Angell Family Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and John R Halligan

Mourning, Refuge, and Unity: String Quartets from the Arab World
2025-04-28 17:30 | Sulzer Regional Library, Chicago Public Library,, 4455 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, 60605, United States
Hear how Levantine, or “Arab World,” composers combine elements of Arab classical music and Western classical music to reflect their identities and tell their unique stories in this string quartet program! Featuring music by Nahla Mattar, Touffic Succar, Elie Kallab, Mahdi Al Mahdi, Arian Abbas, and much more!
Date: Monday,April 28th
Time: 5:30 pm
Location: Sulzer Regional Library, Chicago Public Library, 4455 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60625, USA
The program is free and open to the public.
In collaboration with and support of Dozan World’s efforts to publish music by Levantine composers, this program highlights new publications in the Dozan World catalog. Learn more at dozanworld.com

Haitian Flag Day Celebration Committee Presents: In a Classical Mood
2025-05-18 19:00 - 21:00 | Mirelle’s Restaurant, 170 Post Ave, Westbury, NY, New York, 11590, United States
Crossing Borders Music is proud to be performing at “In a Classical Mood” presented by the Haitian Flag Day Celebration Committee for an inspiring evening of Haitian classical music, featuring acclaimed pianist Marianne Parker and a lineup of renowned musicians. This concert highlights the rich legacy of Haitian composers.
As an organization dedicated to uplifting the music and stories of underrepresented voices, Crossing Borders Music has long celebrated Haitian classical music through performance and commissioned several albums of classical music written by the Haitian composer Gifrants. We’re honored to support this event in celebration of Haitian composers past and present.
Date: Sunday, May 18th
Time: Doors open at 5:00PM. Cocktails will be served from 5:15 to 6:45PM. Concert begins at 7:00PM and concludes at 9:00PM.
Venue: Mirelle’s, 170 Post Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590.
This is a general admission event. Seats are limited. Please, enter your email address when paying. Confirmation of your payment and copy of your ticket will be sent to your email. Your name will be also listed at the door.
Please note: No tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets can be purchased online HEREFor ticket information, email hfdccommittee@gmail.com or call 857-707-6425.
Please, verify that hfdccommittee@gmail.com has sent your ticket(s) after purchase.

Voices of the Proud: LGBTQ+ Composers
2025-06-22 15:00 | Harold Washington Library, Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, 400 S State St, United States, Chicago, IL, 60605, United States
This Pride Month, join us to celebrate LGBTQ+ culture with “Voices of the Proud: LGBTQ+ Composers”! The program features the beauty, love, grief, playfulness, creativity, and pride of music by LGBT+ composers in music for string quartet.
Date: Sunday, 22nd June
Time: 3pm
Venue: Harold Washington Library, 400 S. State Street Chicago, IL 60605
This program is made possible by Chicago Public Libraries, the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the John R. Halligan Charitable Fund, the Illinois Arts Council,and the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events

Cambodian Music: The Living Tradition
2025-06-29 15:00 | Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton St, Skokie, IL, 60077, United States
Crossing Borders Music joins the National Cambodian Heritage Museum Traditional Music Ensemble for an amazing fusion of Cambodian and European traditional instruments performing Cambodian classics!
The performance features new arrangements made for the Cambodian Day of Remembrance by former Crossing Borders Music violinist Rasa Mahmoudian and overseen by Nisa Pov, Resident Artist of the Cambodian Museum. Pov provides a short introduction to each piece.
Date: Sunday, 29th June
Time: 3pm
Venue: Skokie Public Library, 5215 Oakton St, Skokie, IL 60077
Free and open to the public!

Cambodian Music: The Living Tradition
2025-07-10 18:00 | Argyle Night Market, Sheridan and Argyle, Chicago, IL, 60640
Crossing Borders Music joins the National Cambodian Heritage Museum Traditional Music Ensemble for an amazing fusion of Cambodian and European traditional instruments, performing Cambodian classics!
The performance features new arrangements created for the Cambodian Day of Remembrance by former Crossing Borders Music violinist Rasa Mahmoudian, overseen by Nisa Pov, Resident Artist at the Cambodian Museum. Pov provides a short introduction to each piece.
Date: Thursday, 10th July
Time: 6 pm
Venue: Argyle Night Market, Argyle, Chicago, IL 60640
Free and open to the public!

Chicago Composers: The Next Generation at Ear Taxi Festival
2025-10-05 14:00 - 15:00 | PianoForte, 1335 South Michigan AvenueChicago, IL, 60605United States, 1335 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60605
Chicago Composers: The Next Generation comes to The Ear Taxi Festival this October!
This year’s edition of the festival will highlight over 500 artists in over 50 hours of programming, including large-scale Anchor Performances, Composer Showcases, Taxi Concerts, and Accent Concerts.
“Chicago Composers: the Next Generation” celebrates the work of composers in the Crossing Borders Music Young Composers Project.
In the project, youth from music programs in North Lawndale and Garfield Park receive weekly composition lessons and write a piece for the Crossing Borders Music string quartet. Hear their fresh, new approaches to an age-old genre!
Plus, hear music commissioned by Crossing Borders Music of emerging African-American composers including brand new works by Jessica T Carter and more.
Crossing Borders Music’s Young Composers Project is made possible through support from the Alice M. Ditson Fund of Columbia University, the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the John R. Halligan Charitable Fund, and the Amphion Foundation.
Crossing Borders Music acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council.

Date: Sunday, October 5, 2025
Time: 2pm – 3pm
Venue: PianoForte, 1335 South Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL, 60605 United States

Purchase your tickets HERE!

Chicago Composers: The Next Generation
2025-10-11 15:00 | Harold Washington Library Center (Grand Lobby), 400 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605, 400 S State St, Chicago, IL, 60605
“Chicago Composers: the Next Generation” shares the world premiere performances of composers in the Crossing Borders Music Young Composers Project. In the project, youth from music programs in North Lawndale and Garfield Park receive weekly composition lessons and write a piece for the Crossing Borders Music string quartet. Hear their fresh, new approaches to an age-old genre, plus the world premiere of “Lost and Found” by Jessica T Carter!
Date: Saturday, October 11th
Time: 3 PM
Venue: Harold Washington Library Center (Grand Lobby), 400 S State St, Chicago, IL 60605
Free and open to the public!
Crossing Borders Music’s Young Composers Project is made possible through support from the Alice M. Ditson Fund of Columbia University, the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the John R. Halligan Charitable Fund, and the Amphion Foundation.
Crossing Borders Music acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council

"Cuerdas y Cuerpos: Afro-Peruvian Culture Meets Western Strings"
2025-10-19 15:00 - 16:30 | Budlong Woods Branch, Chicago Public Library.5630 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60659, Chicago Public Library. 5630 N Lincoln Ave,, Chicago, IL, 60659
Join us for an unforgettable journey where strings and bodies, histories and rhythms cross borders and build bridges.This interactive event, presented in partnership with the Center of Peruvian Arts, shares interactive Afro-Peruvian dance and music, including the powerful Afro-Peruvian holiday tradition “Hatajo de Negritos,” as well as a workshop and performance by the dancers of the Center for the Peruvian Arts, the Crossing Borders Music string quartet, and acclaimed Peruvian singer Luis Galvez, interweaving cultural heritage with contemporary cultural dialogue.

This program is presented through the Chicago Cultural Alliance’s “Journey Chicago” month-long cultural celebration.

Date: Sunday, October 19
Time: 3:00 PM -4:30 PM
Venue: Budlong Woods Branch, Chicago Public Library.5630 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60659

ICE Detention Center Performance Preview on WBEZ's "In the Loop with Sasha-Ann Simons"
2025-11-03 09:40 - 10:00
Tune in to Chicago’s WBEZ to hear members of Crossing Borders Music discuss their upcoming performance at the Broadview ICE detention center!91.5 FM in Chicago and online at wbez.org

CBM Performance at the Broadview ICE Detention Center
2025-11-03 15:00 - 17:00 | Broadview Ice Detention Center, 1930 Beach Street, Broadview, IL, 60155
Members of the Crossing Borders Music String Quartet will share some of their favorite musical selections of music by composers from suppressed backgrounds around the world at the Broadview ICE detention center. Since CBM is not allowed to enter the facility, the musicians will perform just north of the facility on Beach Street, south of Lexington. Come join us!

Dignity and Hope: String Quartets by Haitian Composers
2026-01-08 16:30 | Fulton Recital Hall, Goodspeed Hall, 4th floor, 1010 E. 59th St, 1010 E. 59th St., Chicago, IL, 60637
In response to Haiti’s humanitarian crisis, Crossing Borders Music shares string quartets by Haitian composers in this moving program of dignity, resilience, resistance, and hope.
The program includes Incertitudes! by Haitian composer Dickens Princivil, commissioned by Crossing Borders Music after Dickens was kidnapped and released. The program also includes Tale from Rudy Perrault’s Exodus string quartet dedicated to all people forced to leave their homeland, Chrysallis devient papillon (“Chrysalis Becomes Butterfly”) which is a metaphor for positive transformation by Sabrina CD Jean Louis, the Haitian classic Choucoune, Daniel Bernard Roumain’s Klap Ur Handz, and more!
Date: Thursday, January 8th
Time: Complimentary tea and cookies are served at 4:15 PM, and the music begins at 4:30 PM.
Venue: Fulton Recital Hall, Goodspeed Hall, 4th floor, 1010 E. 59th St. Chicago, IL 60637
Free and Open to the Public!
This performance is made possible through support from the University of Chicago, the Alice M. Ditson Fund of Columbia University, the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, the City of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, the John R. Halligan Charitable Fund, and the Amphion Foundation. Crossing Borders Music acknowledges support from the Illinois Arts Council.

Liminal Encounters: Counternarratives of Rohingya Refugees
2026-01-23 08:30 - 19:00 | Franke Institute for the Humanities, 1100 E 57th St, Chicago, IL, 60637
Liminal Encounters: Counternarratives of Rohingya Refugees, the 3rd Annual Borderlands of Sonic Encounter SymposiumAn International Balzan Prize Project (2023–28) led by Professor Philip V. Bohlman
This interdisciplinary symposium brings together scholars, artists, and practitioners to explore questions of diaspora, statelessness, and borders/borderlands through creative practices and multimedia work centered on Rohingya experiences.
Friday, January 23 features panel discussions and a keynote by Tin Mar Oo.🎶 Composer and performer Hamid will participate in symposium events on this day.
All events are free and open to the public.

Liminal Encounters: Counternarratives of Rohingya Refugees
2026-01-24 09:00 - 15:00 | Rohingya Culture Center, 2740 W Devon Ave, Chicago, IL, Chicago, IL, 60640
As part of the second day of the “Liminal Encounters: Counternarratives of Rohingya Refugees” symposium (Jan 23-24) Crossing Borders Music string quartet will perform along with musician Hamid Ullah during the day event of panel discussions and a workshop, also led by Hamid.
Please note: this performance is in addition to the evening performance on the 24th, Liminal Encounters: A Concert of Rohingya Tarana Songs
This symposium is primarily organized by students and faculty at the University of Chicago in collaboration with the Rohingya Cultural Center of Chicago. It is cosponsored by the UChicago Committee on Southern Asian Studies, Crossing Borders Music, Franke Institute for the Humanities, International Balzan Foundation, the UChicago Department of Music, and the UChicago Department of Race, Diaspora, and Indigeneity.
Date: Saturday, January 24th,2026
Time: 9 AM – 3 PM
Venue: Rohingya Culture Center
All events are FREE and open to the public
