New York Times: “With ticket prices for performing arts rising, could fresh approaches like pay-what-you-can increase access and foster more adventurous programming?” Removing socioeconomic barriers is one of those things we have to be ahead of.” – Chicago Sinfonietta CEO Blake-Anthony Johnson on programs like our landmark Pay-What-You-Can initiative catching fire across the country. Read

Read the full Tribune review by Hannah Edgar here or here

NBC’s LeeAnn Trotter and Maestra Mei-Ann Chen sat down after rehearsal today to chat about our mission, 35th anniversary, and opening weekend…Check it out!  

We were fortunate to be in the recent Joyce Foundation Grantee Spotlight. Read all about our President and CEO’s vision for the Sinfonietta and more, in this great article! READ MORE   

From Subito Music September 2022 “Roberto Sierra’s Concerto for Saxophones and Orchestra is an electrifying work.” As the Chicago Sinfonietta’s performances of Sierra’s concerto approach, soloist Julian Velasco shares his enthusiasm about his upcoming concerts. Originally commissioned by the Detroit Symphony for internationally renowned saxophonist James Carter, Sierra’s 23-minute score blends classical and jazz elements, and highlights the virtuoso possibilities

By Hosea Sanders and Marsha Jordan ABC Chicago Friday, September 9, 2022 5:43PM CHICAGO (WLS) — We’re gearing up for the “Chicago Live!” festival just over two weeks from now. Chicago Sinfonietta is one of the city’s artistic treasures you can see perform free at the event at Navy Pier! ABC7’s Hosea Sanders was at

By Kathy Cichon Naperville Sun Sep 07, 2022 at 4:13 pm Saxophonist and Cedille Records Emerging Artists Competition winner Julian Velasco will perform as guest musician on Roberto Sierra’s “Concerto for Saxophones and Orchestra” during the Chicago Sinfonietta’s season opening concert, “Next,” performed on Sept. 17 at Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville. (Chicago Sinfonietta) A

Chicago Sinfonietta Offers Community Through Music September 13, 2022 Groundbreaking. Dynamic. Daring. A tenured orchestra and acclaimed cultural leader that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion by creating community through curated symphonic experiences, Chicago Sinfonietta (CS) is a source of community through music, as well as ensuring and inspiring a continued investment in diversity and inclusivity

The Wallace Foundation today announced the Chicago Sinfonietta as one of only 18 arts organizations founded by, with, and for communities of Color (and the sole orchestra) to be part of the Foundation’s “first phase of a new five-year arts initiative… to foster equitable improvements in the arts”. Said President and Chief Executive Officer Blake-Anthony