October 11, 2026 - The Stories Behind the Music: An Tran Opens Chicago Artopia’s New Season.

On October 11, 2026, Chicago Artopia’s Artistic Director and Co-Founder, An Tran, opened the 2026–2027 season with a performance at Hubbard High School Auditorium featuring music from his album Ilumina: New Works for Guitar. The performance was not only a celebration of music but also Tran’s way of representing Chicago Artopia and expressing gratitude to the community that has witnessed the grassroots organization grow as it approaches its fifth anniversary.

The program included Bella di Papà and Variations and Fugue on “Ru Em” (Xê Đăng Lullaby), showcasing the expressive range of Tran’s playing and his sensitivity to the character and emotion of each work. The music resonated deeply with the audience, moving some listeners to tears.

One particularly meaningful moment was the presence of composer Sarah D’Ippolito Reichert, who attended with her husband and baby. D’Ippolito Reichert composed Bella di Papà while imagining Tran lulling his daughter, Ana-Lucía, to sleep. With the composer and her own young family in attendance, the story behind the composition took on an added personal significance, bringing the music’s inspiration to life in a deeply intimate way.

The performance marked a memorable beginning to Chicago Artopia’s new season, bringing together music, the stories behind its creation, and a community whose support has helped the organization grow. As Chicago Artopia approaches its fifth year, the evening served as both an artistic milestone and a heartfelt expression of gratitude to the community that has been part of its journey.