Josephine Lee
As Alexander Pope once said "Hope springs eternal," and for most of us living in the Midwest, the waiting and hoping for Spring never dies. In between the cold snaps, there is light and sun and hope, and on one of these gorgeous days, we warmed ourselves in the beauty of our dear friend, Josephine Lee. Josephine is the President and Artistic Director of Uniting Voices of Chicago, formerly Chicago Children's Choir, and she has built up an organization that focuses on bringing youth from all over Chicago together in music. To see her work her magic and music on groups of individuals anywhere from 6 to 18 from Englewood to Albany Park is to see first hand the power of the arts and how it can transform hearts and minds. Just so inspiring on every level. We are so lucky to call her a friend and a muse, and here, we ask her what she's been up to in her favorite Spring looks from our collection.
Heiji: Hi Josephine! So lovely to be here in your gorgeous home. It’s the perfect place to make music. Tell me, how did you come to music?
Josephine: From my family! I asked to play violin at age 3, and my teacher thought it would be good to complement it with piano. My mother had a passion for the arts and education, so she had me sing in various childrens choirs at a very young age.
Heiji: Wow! It seems you were firing on all cylinders pretty immediately!! And when did you start at Uniting Voices?
Josephine: I was introduced to the organization, known at the time as Chicago Children's Choir, when I was a Northwestern grad student, and I immediately fell in love with the mission to unite youth from all walks of life through music. I applied for a job right after grad school and began conducting choirs all over Chicago. I was struck by how the organization was a safe space where you could see young people from diverse backgrounds connecting with one another and finding their voice through the music of many countries, cultures and eras.
I have seen our organization grow from a few choirs into a vast network of programs that serve thousands of students every year. In addition to weekly instruction and affirming community, we infuse the experience with innovative creative partnerships, like Chance the Rapper's Coloring Book and The Big Day albums, performances with Colombian popstar Karol G, and national broadcasts of Bernstein's Mass with Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Ravinia Festival. I love to see how young people come alive through these projects, especially those who may not otherwise envision themselves in these spaces. The vast majority of our singers come from low-to-moderate income circumstances, and every year 80% of singers participate free of charge. Our emphasis on accessibility, diversity, and high-caliber opportunities for young artists reflects a deep understanding of music's evolving landscape and its power to unite across cultural divides. It's more than notes on a page. It's a tool for global leadership development.
JOESPHINE WEARS JEN TOP (ORDER BY EMAIL) AND ODESSA SKIRT
Heiji: Since we are talking music and fashion, What do you like to wear when you’re going to be conducting on stage?
Josephine: My personal style choices for conducting reflect a blend of professionalism and personal expression that complements my role as a leader in the arts. I like to be comfortable, but also timeless. I wear pieces that allow me to move freely. I love a good power suit, but as I have evolved as an artist, I like to explore and break the boundaries of what a typical conductor would look like. I especially love my Jeune Otte velvet suit - the richness of the fabric, the great tailoring, and the way it lets me move the way I want to. It feels elegant and super lush on the body.
heiji: What are some of the most notable shifts you’ve seen in music and the music that young people like and consume?
josephine: In the era of TikTok, new music is released at an unprecedented rate. So many people have the ability to produce music and have free access and a platform to share it with audiences. Everyone is their own brand, and young people have endless access to listen to and experience so many different artists. But it takes a lot of hard work to truly excel. With the advent of AI and an invitation for all to become digital songwriters, there is a mix of quality out there. With all the noise, It is so important for artists to stay true to who they are. Nothing can replace the spirit of the human voice and creativity. True greatness will always be recognized. Music is one of the most honest forms of expression out there.
heiji: Who/what are you listening on repeat these days?
josephine: I'm currently listening to an eclectic mix of music, from Laufey, Jill Scott, Brahms, D'Angelo, Bill Withers, Stevie Wonder, Beyonce, to Carmina Burana. As Miles Davis would say, "Good music is good no matter what kind it is." By allowing many artists to resonate with me personally, I find I can meet the youth of Chicago where they are, no matter their interests. It enriches my life and enhances my work with Uniting Voices.
Josephine wears EMILY SHIRT AND DREW SHORTS
Heiji: Looking ahead to the next few months, what are you most excited about that’s coming up?
Josephine: This spring, I'm looking forward to conducting Carmina Burana at Kennedy Center as well as Paint the Town Red, a free, outdoor event in Millennium Park and the one time each year we bring together the thousands of singers in our programs to showcase the dynamism, diversity, and hope of young people in our city. It highlights the influential presence of Uniting Voices Chicago in our cultural landscape...a presence that is growing! Our tried-and-true model for musical excellence and social cohesion is being adopted in markets across the nation, starting with our newest outpost, Uniting Voices Lexington. We are building a network of educators, artists and youth to thrive in a globally connected society.
Heiji: I can’t wait to be in millenium Park for paint the town red again. I always come away so inspired and full of joy. I will definitely see you there.
Josephine: yes, see you there!
Paint The town Red: May 23, 2024
JOESPHINE WEARS ANI VEST AND LEAH PANTS