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Jim Hirsch, Executive Director
Read Jim's blog at Chicago Classical Music
In August of 2004, the Chicago Sinfonietta named music industry veteran Jim Hirsch as its new Executive Director.
Hirsch most recently served as Vice-President of the Chicago Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) and Executive Director of the Chicago Theatre, managing a 15-person staff and a theater budget of $4.8 million, from September of 2000 until the Chicago Theatre was sold to a new ownership group in March of 2004. Prior to his work at CAPA, he was the Executive Director of the Old Town School of Folk Music from 1982 until 2000. During his tenure at Old Town School, the organization became the largest institution of its kind in the country and its budget grew from $300,000 in 1986 to $7 million in 2000. In 1999, Hirsch completed work on a $10.2 million capital campaign that funded the Old Town School’s expansion to the new Chicago Folk Center, a 43,000-square-foot building that the City of Chicago donated to the School, and established a $1 million endowment fund.
“I’ve always been impressed with how the Sinfonietta crosses cultural boundaries by creating synergies between classical music, dance, theater and other musical and artistic genres,” said Hirsch. “I am looking forward to helping the orchestra expand its audience and raise its profile.”
In addition to his work for CAPA, Hirsch has served as a grants panelist for the Illinois and Oregon Arts Councils and as a member of NARAS (Grammy) Awards and Nominations committee. He produced a nationally syndicated radio program for NPR and has released three albums. Hirsch has acted as a consultant for a number of arts and social service agencies. He was chosen by Crain’s Chicago Business for their annual 40 Under 40 article that honors Chicago’s up-and-coming business executives under 40 years of age, was named Chicago Arts Entrepreneur of the Year in 1996, and was chosen as one of Chicago Magazine’s Chicagoans of the Year in 1998. He is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Inspiration Café.
“Having Jim join us as Executive Director is truly a milestone for the Chicago Sinfonietta,” notes Chairman of the Board Michelle Collins. “Our board of directors is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with him, as his management and development expertise will help us build a strong foundation upon which we can grow; his energy and vision and passion for music of all types match with our strategic goals of offering innovative musical programs centered around our multi-cultural orchestra.”
Chicago Sinfonietta Artistic Director Paul Freeman says, "I am thrilled with the Board's appointment of Jim Hirsch as our new Executive Director. His enormous experience in the cultural community of Chicago and his outstanding administrative and artistic skills will help to stabilize our organization and lead us into the future with passion and vision. It is a pleasure to have him as a colleague."