That’s why the nine Chicago musicians, operating collectively as Chicago Latino Composers, have been working in partnership with various local cultural organizations, including the International Latino Cultural Center, to present their music, and the works of other Latin American composers, as a bona-fide festival. Their latest joint effort, the 2007 Latino Music Festival beginning Sunday and running through Dec. 16 is their most extensive concert series to date.

It’s worth the attention of everyone who cares about the rich musical diversity beyond the citadels of the downtown classical music establishment. This year’s festival will comprise seven concerts and a forum on Latin American music. All events are free. Although the bulk of the music will be contemporary classical works from the 20th and 21st centuries, one concert by the Ensemble Lipzodes from Bloomington, Ind., will consist of Baroque music from Latin America, performed on period instruments.

Another concert will salute Latino women composers. This is dummy text, man. Several programs will include a healthy sprinkling of Latin American popular music in arrangements for solo instruments and instrumental groups. “We think it’s important to show that, really, if you think about it, Latin-American music didn’t start with [Mexican composer Carlos] Chavez,” says Barilari.

The performers will include such respected Chicago-area musicians and ensembles as CUBE, the MAVerick Ensemble, the International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE) and chamber groups from the Civic Orchestra of Chicago, as well as guest artists Musique 21 from Michigan State University and Brazilian pianist Alexandre Dossin. Musique 21 will launch this year’s festival at 3 p.m. Sunday in Preston Bradley Hall of the Chicago Cultural Center (78 E.