We came together to create this playlist centered around the ideas of peace, security, and relaxation. As a nonprofit leader, I always consider how to promote wellbeing in the workplace, with our musicians, and within the larger Chicago community. Music is so powerful, its ability to set our minds at ease and allow us to relax is part of why it’s so effective at bringing us together as people. Many of these pieces and songs move at slower tempos, have softer dynamics, and contain gentler forms, allowing listeners to embrace the calming spirit of this playlist. In putting together this playlist, we tried to include a wide variety of classical repertoire, as well as some music that’s connected to Chicago Philharmonic’s current programming. Songwriter Ryan O’Neal, also known as Sleeping at Last, will be collaborating with us for three concerts this fall, and his album “Atlas: Enneagram” is featured here as an excellent example of peaceful music.

At the Chicago Philharmonic, we believe in the transformative power of music to heal, inspire, and connect. With this in mind, we have carefully curated a playlist that embodies these themes, offering a collection of sounds that resonates with the challenges and aspirations of nonprofit leaders. Pieces like Bach’s “Organ Sonata No. 4” and “Air on the G String” contain transcendent and contemplative themes, inspiring a more introspective mood. Other selections, like Fauré’s “Pavane”, have a more grounded and humanistic quality. Recorded by the Chicago Philharmonic, the second movement of Walter Leigh’s “Concertino for Harpsichord and Strings” is a more restful piece of 20th-century music, and we feel it’s emblematic of the overall feeling for this playlist.

The album Atlas: Enneagram by Sleeping At Last invites listeners into a meditative exploration of the human experience. Each track, inspired by the nine Enneagram personality types, is a delicate blend of beautiful melodies and introspective lyrics. This music serves as a gentle reminder of the interconnectedness of our emotions, encouraging a sense of inner peace and understanding.

Sleeping At Last has this to say about his album: 

ENNEAGRAM is “a model of human personality which is principally understood and taught as a typology of nine interconnected personality types.” If you’re unfamiliar with what this is, read up on it. I have found it to be an extremely beautiful and helpful understanding of the complex personalities of people. Not only in understanding others, but in understanding myself in much greater depth. In this collection of songs I will write a song for or from the perspective of each of the 9 distinct personality types. Side note: I’m a 9, “The Peacemaker.” (In other words, “The Runner-away-er of Conflict…) All that to say, I couldn’t be more excited to explore all of these themes through music and words and examine the most vital and basic elements of Life! I hope you will enjoy the results.”

For more info on this album and the work of Sleeping At Last, visit: https://www.sleepingatlast.com/blog/2016/4/18/atlas-themes-explored

William Grant Still’s “Sorrow,” a movement from his Symphony No. 1 (also known as the “Afro-American Symphony”), is a poignant piece that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit. Its rich harmonies convey a deep sense of empathy and understanding, qualities that are essential in fostering security and trust within communities. 

Vivaldi’s Winter from The Four Seasons is a masterful representation of nature’s dichotomy—its ability to be both serene and formidable. As the music transitions from the biting cold to moments of warmth and calm, it brings to mind themes of resilience and sense of purpose.

In crafting this playlist, the Chicago Philharmonic sought to offer more than just music; we aimed to create an experience that resonates with the core values of peace, security, and relaxation. These compositions were chosen for their ability to evoke emotional depth and provide a space for reflection. Whether you are seeking a moment of calm amidst a busy day or a source of inspiration to guide your work, this playlist serves as a companion on your journey.