UIC’s Jon Irabagon Named Guggenheim Fellow

(Photo: Stephanie Matthews)

Join us in celebrating Jon Irabagon, a prominent jazz saxophonist, composer, and School of Theatre and Music faculty member, on receiving a prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship!

Irabagon was recently named a 2026 Guggenheim Fellow, one of the nation’s most competitive honors recognizing exceptional creative ability and significant promise for future achievement. An internationally recognized musician and composer, Irabagon is known for his innovative work bridging experimental composition, improvisation, and the jazz tradition.

At UIC Theatre and Music, Irabagon teaches and mentors emerging musicians while continuing to perform and create original work. The fellowship will support his continued work composing for his quartet, further advancing his distinct and forward-thinking musical voice.

Irabagon was featured in UIC today for his award. Click the below for the full article.