Thank you. Truly.

Last night, we experienced something extraordinary, our first SOLD-OUT concert in Allegrezza’s history. The energy in the room was electric, the music alive, and the spirit of community unmistakable. To everyone who came, who applauded, who shared messages and reflections afterward, thank you. Your support embraced not just the performance, but the message at its core.

As Stephen mentioned last night, we have wrestled with a difficult question: What can we do, genuinely, tangibly, to help those who are being torn from their homes, their work, their families? It’s easy to feel powerless in the face of such heartbreak. But your presence last night reminded us that we are not powerless and we are certainly not alone. Your attendance has made it possible for us to help in a meaningful way.

Stephen also spoke about the imagery on the cover of our Magnificat program that I designed. I have placed it right under this post so you can see it. Whether you joined us last night or are thinking about joining us tomorrow, I hope you’ll pause with that image for a moment. In the distance stands the Statue of Liberty, her torch burning bright. Familiar, yes, but here she carries a deeper meaning. I imagined her as a modern Mary: a guardian, a witness, a steady figure of refuge. Her light is not decoration; it is protection, courage, and promise.

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free." - Emma Lazarus (1849–1887)

In the foreground, a family of immigrants walks toward that glow. They represent no single nation, no single moment in time; instead, they embody the countless journeys taken with trembling hope and fierce resolve.
Between them rests one word: Magnificat.

"He has brought down the powerful from their thrones and has lifted up the humble." - The Magnificat, Luke 1:46-55

A song of reversal. A song of the overlooked lifted high, the hungry filled, the weary restored. A reminder that compassion is strength, and dignity must belong to everyone or it belongs to no one at all.

In these past months, as arrests in Chicago and across the country have shaken families and communities, creating this imagery felt essential. We cannot stand on a stage and sing about light while ignoring the shadows so many are being forced to hide. This concert became something deeper, a gathering of voices choosing empathy, choosing courage, choosing to stand up.

A portion of our proceeds will support the National Immigrant Justice Center. A lighthouse for those navigating fear and uncertainty. We are humbled to add our small flame to theirs, and we hope our support helps as many people as possible find their way.

To those who were with us last night, thank you. Your presence, your applause, your hearts open made the night powerful beyond measure. You reminded us why this work matters and that music can make a difference.

To those who have not yet joined us, we would be honored to welcome you tomorrow at the Union Church of Hinsdale. Your presence is more than attendance; it is participation in the light we are determined to carry forward. Just click on the Events & Tickets link and purchase your ticket now.

Thank you, all of you, for showing up, for feeling deeply, and for believing that compassion is still worth fighting for.

Jonathan Pugh
President, Allegrezza Inc. NFP
[email protected]

It seems time slipped through my fingers more quickly than I ever expected. The last update here was January of 2018, which in nonprofit years feels like several presidencies, a couple of global crises, and at least a few questionable hairstyles. Yet through it all, we remain here, still singing, still creating, still believing in the power of what Allegrezza does. Today feels like the right day to step back into this space and begin again.

​And what a moment to return.

Tonight is our dress rehearsal for the Holiday Spectacular Magnificat concert. Soon the spaces we perform will swell chatter, laughter, jitters, and that amazing sound that only Allegrezza creates. 

After months of preparation, the chorus is ready.

I wanted to pause and reflect on why we sing and who your generosity touches. Below you will find a letter I shared with donors and partners earlier this season. It speaks to our mission, the voices you help elevate, and the very real impact your support brings to life.

Thank you for reading, for believing in Allegrezza, and for standing with us through every season of growth. Stephen and I feel an enormous pride watching this chorus evolve. The talent of our singers continues to astonish us, the love from our audiences lifts us forward, and the promise of what is ahead fills us with joy more than words can hold.

We cannot wait to share this music with you.
​
With gratitude,
Jonathan

I was able to stop by rehearsal last night and took a quick pic of the group hard at work. We are only a few rehearsal in and they sound incredible! Each season the chorus sounds better, and better. This prep is no exception!

Quite a few more rehearsals to go but this group sounds incredible. May be the best group we have had so far... can't wait for you all to hear them soon!

I have been traveling for work this past week and was not able to participate in the auditions for this prep. Stephen called and was beside himself with excitement... the talent that Allegrezza has been fortunate to receive continues to amaze us. We are so grateful, and SO excited for our upcoming concert, YOU MATTER!. More to come!

We are still coming down from the high we experienced during all of our performances for Ring Them Bells. First at the beautiful Chicago Temple in downtown Chicago. Secondly, at our home away from home in Hinsdale at the Union Church of Hinsdale. Lastly, a quick show for the folks shopping at the Christkindlmarket at Daley Plaza. An Amazing time all around and a great success for our Charitable Partner, A Silver Lining. Allegrezza will make a donation to this amazing organization for $1,500.00 thanks to our great turn out at each performance. Thank you to everyone that attended, it made our holiday that much brighter. Happy Holidays and HAPPY NEW YEAR!