Chicago Sinfonietta is proud to welcome new musicians, Darren Carter and Caitlin Edwards, for our 2025-2026 season!
Darren Carter
Darren joins us as a section violinist and was a third-year member of the Civic Orchestra of Chicago. Recently, Darren was appointed Assistant Principal of the Colorado Music Festival, and has also performed with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, and New World Symphony. In previous summers, he has attended and performed with the National Repertory Orchestra and Aspen Music Festival as an orchestral leadership fellow. Originally from Dallas, Texas, Darren earned his bachelor’s degree in music at Baylor University and his master’s at DePaul University, where he currently pursues a Performer’s Certificate and studies with Ann Marie Brink. In his spare time, Darren enjoys listening to music, playing games, and hiking Colorado’s famous 14ers.
When asked “What is it about Chicago Sinfonietta that made you choose to audition?” he replied:
“I was drawn to the Sinfonietta’s mission to promote new and less commonly performed music alongside the presentation of classic staples in the repertoire, which I believe are both important to the world of classical music. The orchestra seems to have a very positive and welcoming community, and I’m super excited to be a part of it.”
Caitlin Edwards
Caitlin joins us as a Section 1 violinist. She is a former Freeman Orchestra Fellow. A visionary artist who seamlessly blends her cultural roots with her musical upbringing to curate performances that resonate with authenticity, impact, and joy. Her multifaceted career as a violinist, composer, and youth advocate has earned her widespread recognition as a musical force in Chicago and beyond, captivating audiences on both national and international stages.
In 2023, Caitlin released her first album of classical works, Mere Mortals, with pianist Daniel Schlosberg. In August 2021, she released her debut solo album, Exhale, a transcending work that merges the elegance of classical music with the soulful harmonies of gospel and neo-soul. She has performed and recorded alongside iconic artists such as Stevie Wonder, John Legend, Earth Wind and Fire, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Stewart Copeland, Common, Lucky Daye, Yolanda Adams, Nas, India Arie, PJ Morton, and more. Notably, Caitlin contributed her sound to the ReCollective Orchestra in recording the movie score for the Disney movie, “The Lion King,” at Sony Studios.
in April of 2019. She has received four Grammy certificates for her work on these projects.
Caitlin’s accolades include being a 2023 Sphinx MPower Artist Grant recipient, a 2022 Esteemed Artist Awardee from the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, and a 2021 3Arts/Walder Foundation Award winner.