(2026) EL BRUJO

The seed of this work was planted on a summer evening at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. The Great Lawn is filled with people and excitement. Before the music began, a friend turned to me, worried about the state of the country. He said many people would leave if they could, and asked if I’d consider going back to Brazil. I told him I’d rather stay, because this country has given me so much—and if I can, I will continue to use my musical voice as a source of hope. That special evening, I left inspired to write something in honor of our conversation at the Pavilion, a place very dear to my heart. But life happens, and the events that unfold between the commission of a new piece and its completion often find their way into the final work.

On September 13, 2025, Hermeto Pascoal passed away. Pascoal was one of Brazil’s great musical geniuses, whom we called o Bruxo, “The Wizard.” He discovered music in everyday things and shared it with anyone willing to play or listen. His spirit slipped into this piece as well. There’s a melodic gesture running through the work that comes directly from his unique sound world. As I thought about the magic that happens when people come together to experience music—and about this great musician’s communal nature—“El Brujo,” The Wizard of Millennium Park, was born.

The music opens in mystery and builds toward something I hope feels like joy, like a summer night at the Pavilion, where I have spent countless evenings embraced by the power of music and community.

— Clarice V. Assad, 2026