Review of Chicago Sinfonietta’s Rightness in the Rhythm; Conclusion of its 2016-17 Season by Celebrating Nearly a Century Exploring the Connection Between Jazz and Symphony from Ragtime to Broadway

“Played with stunning accuracy Gershwin certainly knew how to paint a picture. You can see Gene Kelly dancing throughout the entire piece. This piece is a great example of the marriage of Jazz and classical.” “Throughout the entire piece the conductor could not be happier. Her obvious passion and sheer happiness with this music was
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Review: Shouts from the Crowd as Marcus Roberts Again Reinvents ‘Rhapsody in Blue’

Marcus Roberts Again Reinvents 'Rhapsody in Blue'
“His transformation of the tune — which quoted the first three notes but not much more — was very nearly Brahmsian in its ardors. And in the sprinting coda, Roberts’ trio and the orchestra rode a wave of energy they’d jointly created.” “Roberts’ version went a long way toward conjuring this element of surprise, although
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Review: Chicago Music Review: More Than a Letter: A Celebration of LGBTQ Artists and Classical Music

“Playful and angry in the “Dies Irae” invocations, delicate, assured, and sublime in the tranquil middle variations, Buechner held her own with the mightily accompanying orchestra.” To read more about Chicago Sinfonietta’s celebration of the LGBTQ community in the arts, check out Stage and Cinema’s review of our concert here!
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Review: Chicago Music Review: 2017 Martin Luther King Tribute Concert

2017 Martin Luther King Tribute Concert - Now More Than Ever
“As our young artists played with established Sinfonietta members, we could hear the future in every bar.” “This concert confirmed a myriad of commitments, musical and more.” Read more about our 2017 Martin Luther King Tribute Concert in Stage and Cinema’s full review!
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Review: Chicago Sinfonietta Dia de los Muertos Concert Review – Day of Dead Done Right

Concertgoers in costume for Chicago Sinfonietta's 2016 Day of the Dead performance
“How wrong those fleeting thoughts were that the timing of Chicago Sinfonietta’s ‘Dia de los Muertos’ (Day of the Dead) performance on the actual Halloween night might have been bad timing. Though the CTA bus wound past many a colorful band of trick or treaters en route, the big show and best Halloween event in
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Chicago Sinfonietta Explores Natural Wonders in New Program

The Chicago Sinfonietta performs against the backdrop of Jose Francisco Salgado's images
“Science and art naturally complement each other.” “People will be able to see visuals that maybe they have never seen before,” he said. “People might have heard of the Northern Lights or seen a still photograph, but not necessarily seen a film based on how beautiful the Northern Lights not only look in the sky
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Chicago Sinfonietta Invites You to “Bring Your Own Beat”

Bring Your Own Beat concert poster
“‘BYOB: Bring Your Own Beat will be anything but typical for a night at the symphony (and yes, jeans are allowed)’, states Chicago Sinfonietta in its announcement of this event. Certainly, this concert program will impress the audience with its loud percussion noises and especially with a raucous finale, where the audience members will be
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MacArthur Foundation Gives Grants Exclusively to Chicago Arts Scene

“The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation has chosen Chicago’s cultural landscape and arts scene to exclusively receive its artist grants in 2016.” “The decision to award these grants solely to Chicago arts and culture community reflects the foundation’s commitment to its hometown and its hope to strengthen the city’s vibrant cultural life, a
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Review: Chicago Sinfonietta Hosts Stellar MLK Tribute

“The Chicago Sinfonietta hosted a stellar Martin Luther King Jr. tribute concert at the Chicago Symphony Orchestra On Monday, Jan. 18 Music director Mei-Ann Chen was brilliant as she conducted the Sinfonietta with her signature charismatic style.” Read more about our 2016 Martin Luther King Tribute Concert in Rollingout’s full review!
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Mei-Ann Chen Voted one of MA’s 30 Professionals of the Year

Mei-Ann Chen was named one of MusicalAmerica's 30 professionals of the year
“Mei-Ann Chen never misses an opportunity to try something new. During one Chicago Sinfonietta performance, for example, a Chicago-based punk marching band, Mucca Pazza, emerged from below stage wearing mismatched uniforms for Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. As a toy cannon shot confetti, younger listeners tried to grab handfuls. According to Chen, imaginative touches like these draw
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