Freeman Fellowships
The Freeman Fellowship program (formerly Project Inclusion) is Chicago Sinfonietta’s groundbreaking program where talent and mentorship converge to develop diverse and emerging musicians, conductors, and administrators on and off-stage.
Created by Sinfonietta’s founder, Paul Freeman, to help eliminate institutional bias due to factors such as ethnicity, race, and socioeconomic status, the project has broadened to tackle matters of diversity and inclusion from every angle.
Today, we offer four multifaceted, professional development fellowships to orchestral and ensemble musicians, conductors, arts administrators, and composers.
Chicago Sinfonietta is dedicated to changing the face of classical music; Freeman Fellowships help make this change possible.
Highlights
“After one conducting session, the instructor pulled me aside and told me ‘you could be really good, if you just believe.’ It was after his words of encouragement, that I started believing”
– Kalena Bovell
“I believe in the power of music and I believe that for many people, the key to enjoying it is simply exposure. Bringing music to them in a way that is innovative and inclusive”
– Roger Kalia
Sponsors
Chicago Sinfonietta thanks the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Chicago Community Trust, MacArthur Foundation, Joyce Foundation, and others for their generous support of Project Inclusion.
