Celebrating over 20 years of music making, the Grammy^® nominated Imani Winds has led both a revolution and the evolution of the wind quintet through dynamic playing, adventurous programming, imaginative collaborations and outreach endeavors, inspiring audiences of all ages and backgrounds. 

The ensemble’s playlist embraces traditional chamber repertoire, and as a 21st-century group is also committed to expanding the wind quintet repertoire by commissioning music from new voices that reflect history and the times in which we live. 

This performance showcases works all by composers of color, including Wayne Shorter’s Terra Incognita, Paquito D’Rivera’s Aires Tropicales, and Reena Esmail’s acclaimed The Light is the Same. The evening also features a world premiere Wharton Center commission by Artist in Residence Damien Sneed, Azul Verde, joining Imani Winds with a string octet, jazz rhythm section, and a soprano soloist on the theme of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging.

Sponsored by MSU Federal Credit Union with additional support from Delta Dental of Michigan.

Media Sponsor: WKAR

Photo: Shervin Lainez.