Statement of Support for Ahmed AlAbaca, SLSO Music Director

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.

2 months ago Featured

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.

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.

Ahmed is an integral member of the arts community in Chicago, and also the United States as a whole. How lucky have the musicians been to play under the leadership of someone who is so in tune to the art world and who themselves is a composer. It would be a mistake to lose them as the music director of South Loop Symphony.

Ahmed worked tirelessly to make sure that professional musicians VOLUNTEERED their time to bolster the group. This is absolutely wild.

I think they have Great performances I would like them to stay

I wouldn’t have known of SLS if it weren’t for Ahmed. Surely something can be worked out

2 months ago Featured

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.

Although I've only played two concerts, I truly enjoyed rehearsals under Ahmed's baton. I'd appreciate the opportunity to work with him in the future.

2 months ago Featured

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.

We have enjoyed going to the SLS concerts for several years now. Ahmed’s love of music and their musicians is a joy to see. The effort Ahmed makes to present the works of composers of varying backgrounds is enlightening. Please reverse your decision and reinstate Ahmed!

Ahmed has been the reason I've enjoyed my short time in the SLSO on Mondays more than anything. His welcoming nature, kind leadership, and human qualities allow for everyone to grow in a safe and postiive environment, and his musicianship and unique combination of skills keep the group evolving with the times. It would be a big mistake not to continue his tenure.

2 months ago Featured

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.

We love Ahmed!!!

What the hell. Bring them back.

2 months ago Featured

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.

Ahmed is the heart of SLS. Losing them will be a disservice to the members and the community.

We go to every concert! Ahmed does an amazing job at every performance. Please keep him being the Conductor where he belongs.

Ahmed has done incredible work and you will be making a huge mistake if you let him go.

2 months ago Featured

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.