Under Ahmed's leadership over the past five years, South Loop Symphony Orchestra has grown immeasurably, not only in size, but in reputation, and in increasing the scope of music we perform.
Ahmed has made a concerted effort to bring to life the music of composers of color and living musicians, highlighting music written by Chicago and other local composers.
Ahmed has intentionally worked to invite musicians of color to the orchestra, significantly increasing our diversity while also welcoming with open arms anyone who has music in their hearts and the desire to play.
Ahmed's unique programming is a direct result of connections they have personally made in the community and among other musicians, and the hard work they’ve done to cultivate new relationships.
Ahmed's passion and spirit foster a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where music is fun, enjoyable and accessible. They have bridged the gap between the classical music tradition and modern engagement.
Our community orchestra will not be the same without Ahmed and we urge the manager to reconsider the decision to have them step down and to reinstate them for the fall season. We believe losing Ahmed will be a detriment to the progress we’ve made and the joy we’ve found in making music together.
24 Comments
Breaks my heart to hear of this. A few of the many things I've loved about Ahemd: 1. Ahmed does such a wonderful job of highlighting diverse composers which is so atypical yet important. 2. Ahmed is such a genuine, welcoming person that really cares about people feeling included and respected. And they make rehearsals FUN! 3. Ahmed both challenges the musicians while understanding the varying levels of skill/ commitment. Losing Ahmed would be such a loss to the community and future of SLSO.
I’ve really enjoyed playing with this community and appreciate many aspects of Ahmed’s leadership and conducting. As a professional musician and conductor myself – holding two masters degrees in conducting (choral, University of Denver – orchestral, Northwestern University), I can confidently say that his vision on the podium and commitment to diverse/new music is inspiring. Although I’m newer to the ensemble – it seems clear to so many of us that this decision was not made in a community centered process – which should be the case for a community orchestra such as this.
Ahmed is the one of the kindest, most innovative, talented, and passionate conductors I’ve ever had the honor of playing with in my 28 years of playing. Losing them would be a massive loss to the orchestra which would likely lead to its demise. I imagine that many folks will not return if Ahmed does not — self included. This is truly a sad and disgraceful mistake.
When I go to the SLO concerts, which I've been attending for many years, I see Ahmed not only conducting but interacting with the musicians as well. I dont see a conductor with a bunch of musicians performing on the stage, I see a family enjoying each other's company, sharing their musical talents with the audience. It'd be a shame to see Ahmed leave the " family". I, myself have seen this talented group grow into a family. Please reconsider.
SLS would not be the same without Ahmed. Not only was their representation in a space like this very important and meaningful to me, but they are kind, fun, talented, they offer a unique and important perspective to the repertoire we play that I greatly value, and they are a person that I trust to make classical music accessible to a wide & diverse audience, which is something about which I care deeply.
As an active organizer in the Chicago music scene, it is distressing to see someone who has brought about a number of important developments being removed. The modes of engagement with the community their programming has opened up clearly has huge impact on the musicians, and that will show in performances if their impact is not present.
My own personal and professional relationships with Ahmed aside (which, let's be very clear, are nothing but positive): to have such a staggering change of leadership made by one person, without notifying or consulting the orchestra's musicians or audience beforehand, at the end of the playing season so as not to face the backlash from this action, seems ill-advised to say the least. In the same way that SLSO serves it's community, it is served by community, and Ahmed embodies that ideal fully. If this announcement came at the beginning of the concert season preceding a proper "handing of the baton", it would be one thing; to be blind-sighted by this after a successful season of growth, community, and music is just irresponsible. A change of leadership may be needed with the South Loop Symphony, and it is certainly not with Ahmed.
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Under Ahmed's leadership over the past five years, South Loop Symphony Orchestra has grown immeasurably, not only in size, but in reputation, and in increasing the scope of music we perform.
Ahmed has made a concerted effort to bring to life the music of composers of color and living musicians, highlighting music written by Chicago and other local composers.
Ahmed has intentionally worked to invite musicians of color to the orchestra, significantly increasing our diversity while also welcoming with open arms anyone who has music in their hearts and the desire to play.
Ahmed's unique programming is a direct result of connections they have personally made in the community and among other musicians, and the hard work they’ve done to cultivate new relationships.
Ahmed's passion and spirit foster a welcoming, nonjudgmental space where music is fun, enjoyable and accessible. They have bridged the gap between the classical music tradition and modern engagement.
Our community orchestra will not be the same without Ahmed and we urge the manager to reconsider the decision to have them step down and to reinstate them for the fall season. We believe losing Ahmed will be a detriment to the progress we’ve made and the joy we’ve found in making music together.
24 Comments
I recently joined SLSO right before the season ended, but I met Ahmed last year at another new music concert gig. It was wonderful to jump into SLSO and play with a supportive community of musicians who all want to challenge the norm and create a truly inclusive space. The compassion Ahmed has as a conductor and composer really shows at the heart of their work and with the SLSO. The lack of transparency is shocking and it is clear that Ahmed nor the orchestra members knew that this change would be happening. If Ahmed is not reinstated and is not allowed to return, I will not be participating in the fall.
Breaks my heart to hear of this. A few of the many things I've loved about Ahemd: 1. Ahmed does such a wonderful job of highlighting diverse composers which is so atypical yet important. 2. Ahmed is such a genuine, welcoming person that really cares about people feeling included and respected. And they make rehearsals FUN! 3. Ahmed both challenges the musicians while understanding the varying levels of skill/ commitment. Losing Ahmed would be such a loss to the community and future of SLSO.
I’ve really enjoyed playing with this community and appreciate many aspects of Ahmed’s leadership and conducting. As a professional musician and conductor myself – holding two masters degrees in conducting (choral, University of Denver – orchestral, Northwestern University), I can confidently say that his vision on the podium and commitment to diverse/new music is inspiring. Although I’m newer to the ensemble – it seems clear to so many of us that this decision was not made in a community centered process – which should be the case for a community orchestra such as this.
Ahmed is the one of the kindest, most innovative, talented, and passionate conductors I’ve ever had the honor of playing with in my 28 years of playing. Losing them would be a massive loss to the orchestra which would likely lead to its demise. I imagine that many folks will not return if Ahmed does not — self included. This is truly a sad and disgraceful mistake.
When I go to the SLO concerts, which I've been attending for many years, I see Ahmed not only conducting but interacting with the musicians as well. I dont see a conductor with a bunch of musicians performing on the stage, I see a family enjoying each other's company, sharing their musical talents with the audience. It'd be a shame to see Ahmed leave the " family". I, myself have seen this talented group grow into a family. Please reconsider.
SLS would not be the same without Ahmed. Not only was their representation in a space like this very important and meaningful to me, but they are kind, fun, talented, they offer a unique and important perspective to the repertoire we play that I greatly value, and they are a person that I trust to make classical music accessible to a wide & diverse audience, which is something about which I care deeply.
As an active organizer in the Chicago music scene, it is distressing to see someone who has brought about a number of important developments being removed. The modes of engagement with the community their programming has opened up clearly has huge impact on the musicians, and that will show in performances if their impact is not present.
My own personal and professional relationships with Ahmed aside (which, let's be very clear, are nothing but positive): to have such a staggering change of leadership made by one person, without notifying or consulting the orchestra's musicians or audience beforehand, at the end of the playing season so as not to face the backlash from this action, seems ill-advised to say the least. In the same way that SLSO serves it's community, it is served by community, and Ahmed embodies that ideal fully. If this announcement came at the beginning of the concert season preceding a proper "handing of the baton", it would be one thing; to be blind-sighted by this after a successful season of growth, community, and music is just irresponsible. A change of leadership may be needed with the South Loop Symphony, and it is certainly not with Ahmed.
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I recently joined SLSO right before the season ended, but I met Ahmed last year at another new music concert gig. It was wonderful to jump into SLSO and play with a supportive community of musicians who all want to challenge the norm and create a truly inclusive space. The compassion Ahmed has as a conductor and composer really shows at the heart of their work and with the SLSO. The lack of transparency is shocking and it is clear that Ahmed nor the orchestra members knew that this change would be happening. If Ahmed is not reinstated and is not allowed to return, I will not be participating in the fall.