[CHICAGO, September 5, 2025]— Chicago Sinfonietta’s outgoing Board Chair Jim Weidner and newly appointed President and CEO Sidney Jackson are pleased to announce the election of the Sinfonietta’s new Board Chair, Wendy Lewis, to a term of three years beginning this month. Weidner, who served as Chair for the past three years, became Emeritus Chair.
“It has been a privilege to serve as the Chair of this Board these past few years,” said Weidner. “The role of the Chicago Sinfonietta to bring classical music to ALL of Chicago has never been more important. I’m particularly proud of the work we’ve done both at home, to reach and serve more of Chicago’s communities, and on the road in 2024 to perform at Spelman College in Atlanta.”
He continued, “I congratulate Wendy on her new post. I worked closely with Wendy in her role as Interim CEO this past year and am most confident in her abilities to lead this Board.”
Chicago Sinfonietta’s President and CEO Sidney Jackson, who joined the Sinfonietta in May, said, “I’m thrilled to welcome Wendy as our new Chair. She is an outstanding leader who brings a wide range of perspectives and deep experience to our team, and it’s a dream come true for me to partner with her as we lead this unique organization forward! We are energized for an exciting year of imaginative, thoughtful programs and educational initiatives. Jim Weidner has my thanks, as well, for his steadfast support of this organization.”
“Staying true to the mission of our founder Paul Freeman is essential to Sinfonietta’s strategic plan for continued growth,” said incoming Board Chair Wendy Lewis. “Freeman’s legacy is embedded in all aspects of the organization. It grounds us as well as propels us forward in purpose, artistic excellence, commitment to communities, and the richness of diversity. I’m honored to be a part of leading this Board and this game changing institution.”
Wendy Lewis has served on various committees of the Chicago Sinfonietta’s Board since 2016. She was appointed interim CEO during the organization’s search for President and CEO and brings decades of experience in the diversity and inclusion space from her work with Major League Baseball and McDonald’s.
Chicago Sinfonietta’s 2025-26 season begins in October, and features five subscription programs, each performed in a distinguished Chicago venue— Studebaker Theater, Mandel Hall, The Auditorium, Harris Theater, and Pick-Saiger Hall—and in Naperville at Wentz Auditorium at North Central College. Other events and initiatives include free Music Mondays at Chicago Public Libraries, the Freeman Fellowship program, monthly community performances, and much more.
Subscriptions and tickets for all events can be purchased via the website.
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Media Contact: Rachelle Roe
Arts, Etc. Public Relations
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