Flossmoor Classical Concert To Aid Efforts To Fight Food Insecurity

FLOSSMOOR, IL — Tristan Zhu didn't know what to expect the first time he took the stage in Flossmoor.

The 17-year-old violinist was surprised to feel the community embrace him—and the classical music that's so engrained in him.

"... ever since that first performance, I vividly remember how unique the community was" Zhu said, "and how special was the concert was."

Zhu returns this year for the third time, taking the stage at the annual classical musical concert during the MLK weekend of service. Set for Jan. 14, the concert is free, with hopes of inspiring contributions toward area nonprofit Open Access. The Homewood-based 501c3 provides weekend backpacks of food for students experiencing food insecurity, as well as offering community closets to provide clothing to anyone in need. The recipient of funds raised changes each year—past causes included South Suburban PADS, Respond Now and Neighborscapes— but the impact he can make with his music stuck with Zhu.

"The money I helped raise had a tangible and direct impact on the community," Zhu said. "... my music was actually appreciated. The Flossmoor people have developed a really rare refuge and appreciation for classical music that I’d like to keep fostering as long as I can."

Zhu, who is a junior at highly selective The Academy at the Music Institute of Chicago, will be joined by violinist Sasha Varchenko and accompanist Sung Hoon Mo. The Academy is a pre-conservatory training program that offers a comprehensive musical education for students who aspire to be professional musicians. Many in its ranks go on to prestigious music schools such as Julliard, Colburn School, or Curtis Institute of Music.

Flossmoor Mayor Michelle Nelson is eager to bring the concert back to its Flossmoor stage.

"It’s a great opportunity for young children to be introduced to classical music and live instruments in a less stuffy setting," Nelson said, "and for more mature folks to be inspired by the passion and drive of the next generation."

She's hoping the performances will inspire donations to such an essential nonprofit as Open Access.

"They have a couple of different programs that really spoke to me," Nelson said.

The Backpack program works to address food insecurity by providing nutritious, nonperishable, easy-to-prepare food to children and their families. The backpack is sent home on weekends, when students won't be able to rely on school meals.

Also significant to Nelson is the Clothing Closet program. With locations in Richton Park, South Holland and by appointment in Homewood, this effort focuses on the underserved community by providing them with clothing, toiletries, coats, socks & shoes.

The evening's performances will include classics such as Bach, Mendolssohn, and Barber. Added to the lineup this year is contemporary composer Daniel Bernard Roumain. Roumain is described as a Black, Haitian-American composer who "sees composing as collaboration with artists, organizations and communities within the farming and framing of ideas."

"One of the missions of the academy is to promote Black composers," Nelson said, "to get more of their music out there."

Zhu will perform one of Roumain's pieces—an honor he is greatly anticipating. It's a change from performing the works of the greats who died long before he experienced their work.

"In classical music, especially as a violinist, a lot of the repertoire was written by deceased people," Zhu said, "but there’s still modern classical music being composed nowadays, and it’s important to support them...."

Zhu, originally of Hoffman Estates, had an opportunity to speak with Skokie-native and current New York City resident Roumain and pick his brain about his inspirations, aspirations, and motivation. While he's uncertain of his next steps in his music education, he's found a passion for solo performances and chamber music.

"It’s unique to work with someone who’s still alive," Zhu said, "and talk about why they wrote this piece."

Zhu said he finds Roumain's work interesting and inspiring, "almost a fusion between classical, rock and roll, and African-inspired music."

Zhu, who began playing violin since 6 years old, said he knows music will be part of his life longterm.

"It’s definitely something that’s engrained in me," he said, "and I don’t think I can live without at this point."

Nelson is looking forward to Zhu's performance.

"I feel very lucky to have him coming back," Nelson told Patch.

"This is the first time one of our musicians will perform a piece by a Black composer. I think it’s pretty exciting, especially since Roumain is from the Chicagoland area."

The event is not ticketed, Nelson stressed.

"No tickets—it’s free," she said. "People can make a goodwill offering on their website openaccess.give/backpackprogram. Or they can drop a cash or check in the bucket when they come in."

The concert is set for Sunday, Jan. 14 at 4 p.m., at Flossmoor Community Church, 2218 Hutchinson Rd.