Celebrating over two decades of music-making, the Grammy-nominated Imani Winds has led both a revolution and evolution of the wind quintet through their dynamic playing, adventurous programming, imaginative collaborations, and outreach endeavors that have inspired audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

The ensemble’s playlist embraces traditional chamber music repertoire, and as a 21st-century group, Imani Winds is devoutly committed to expanding the wind quintet repertoire by commissioning music from 
new voices that reflect historical events and the times in which we currently live. Present and future season performances include a Jessie Montgomery composition inspired by her great-grandfather’s migration from the American south to the north, as well as socially conscious music by Andy Akiho, designed to be performed both on the concert stage and in front of immigrant detention centers throughout the country.

Imani Winds regularly performs in prominent concert venues, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, the Kennedy Center, and Walt Disney Hall. Their national presence includes performances at chamber music series in Boston, New York, San Francisco, and Houston. Festival performances include the Ravinia Festival and the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival.

Imani Winds’ commitment to education runs deep. The group participates in residencies throughout the U.S., giving performances and master classes to thousands of students each year. Academic and institutional residencies include the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, Duke University, the University of Chicago, Curtis Institute of Music, the University of Michigan, Da Camera of Houston, and numerous others across the country.

In 2016, Imani Winds received their greatest 
accolade in their 20 years of music-making: a permanent presence in the classical music section of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.

Tonight marks the third appearance of Imani Winds on our concerts, with previous performances in 2014 and 2016.