Civitas Ensemble is a classical music ensemble based in Chicago, Illinois. The group was founded in 2010 by three musicians who shared a passion for chamber music and a desire to bring it to a wider audience. The founding members were Yuan-Qing Yu, the concertmaster of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Kenneth Olsen, the principal cellist of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, and Winston Choi, a renowned pianist and professor at Roosevelt University. The ensemble's name, Civitas, is derived from the Latin word for "city" or "community," reflecting the group's commitment to engaging with and serving the local community through music. Civitas Ensemble's mission is to present innovative and diverse chamber music programs that showcase the talents of its members and guest artists, while also promoting social justice and community engagement. Since its founding, Civitas Ensemble has become a fixture in the Chicago classical music scene, performing regularly at venues such as the Chicago Cultural Center, the Harris Theater for Music and Dance, and the Ravinia Festival. The group has also collaborated with a wide range of artists and organizations, including the Chicago Children's Choir, the Chicago Sinfonietta, and the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic. One of Civitas Ensemble's most notable performances was its 2015 concert at the Chicago Cultural Center, which featured the world premiere of a new work by composer Stacy Garrop. The piece, titled "Quicksilver," was commissioned by Civitas Ensemble and inspired by the life and work of astronomer Maria Mitchell. The concert also included works by Beethoven, Brahms, and Dvořák, showcasing the ensemble's versatility and range. Civitas Ensemble has received numerous awards and accolades for its performances and community engagement efforts. In 2016, the group was awarded a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to support its "Music and Social Justice" project, which involved collaborating with local organizations to present concerts and workshops that addressed issues such as immigration, race, and gender equality. In addition to its regular performances, Civitas Ensemble is also committed to music education and outreach. The group has worked with students from the Chicago Public Schools through its "Music for All" program, which provides free concerts and workshops to underserved communities. Civitas Ensemble has also partnered with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra to mentor young musicians and provide performance opportunities. Civitas Ensemble's current members include Yuan-Qing Yu (violin), Kenneth Olsen (cello), J. Lawrie Bloom (clarinet), and Winston Choi (piano). The group frequently collaborates with guest artists, including vocalists, percussionists, and other instrumentalists. In recent years, Civitas Ensemble has continued to push the boundaries of chamber music, exploring new genres and styles while also staying true to its classical roots. The group's 2019 album, "Legacy: The Music of Black Composers," featured works by composers such as Florence Price, William Grant Still, and George Walker, highlighting the contributions of Black musicians to classical music. Overall, Civitas Ensemble has established itself as a dynamic and innovative force in the Chicago classical music scene, combining virtuosic performances with a commitment to social justice and community engagement.

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