ThROUGH THE PRISM

A bold new chamber ensemble

At Hearing in Color, we believe that music should reflect the full spectrum of human experience—vibrant, diverse, and rooted in identity. Since 2017, we've challenged classical norms by elevating voices historically excluded from traditional music-making spaces.

Now, we’re evolving. After years of successful project-based programming, we are launching Chroma, a permanent, professional ensemble that doesn’t just include marginalized identities—it is built by and sustained by them.

What is Chroma?

By definition, Chroma (n.) is the purity of a color or its freedom from white and gray; intensity of distinctive hue; saturation of a color.

For us, Chroma is a lasting artifact of what Hearing in Color has always stood for: radical inclusion, excellence without erasure, and music as a tool for deepening understanding and joy! Where stories long ignored are not only welcomed, but supported. Chroma is a community-responsive laboratory creating new spaces for artists to shape a bold new future of choral performances.

This bold new professional chamber ensemble led by Artistic Director LaRob K. Rafael and Conductor Madeleine Woodworth, has a mission to amplify the voices of the global majority through bold new choral works, world premieres, and collaborations with composers who reflect the communities we serve.

MEET THE ENSEMBLE

COMMISIONED COMPOSERS

MEET THE ENSEMBLE

Upcoming Events

Explore what’s ahead with Hearing in Color! From the innovative Young Composers Residency to the bold performances of our resident vocal ensemble, Chroma, our events promise inspiring music and powerful storytelling you won’t want to miss.

Chroma is Made possible through the foundation support of Sphinx MPower Artist Grant, DCASE CityArts Grant, Chicago Community Trust Young Leaders Fund, and gifts from generous Supporters of Hearing in Color.

Hearing in Color is grateful for the generous support of Chroma’s founding donors, Randi and Mark Woodworth.

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