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 in the genre of classical music
to promote fairness and equity. With core values built around being
culturally responsive and advocates of inclusivity in all aspects of the
35 year-old organization’s work, Chicago Sinfonietta’s unrelenting
commitment to being at the forefront of innovation drives its high
standard of symphonic experiences. CS takes pride in leading by
example with immersive audience engagement activities, impactful
career development, education, and extensive community outreach
programs.
Founded in 1987 by the late Maestro Paul Freeman to address
diversity in orchestras, Chicago Sinfonietta has been led by
international conductor and Music Director Maestra Mei-Ann Chen
since 2011. In her first season, the Sinfonietta was named by ASCAP as
the recipient of the 2011- 12 Award for Adventurous Programming, and
in 2013 was dubbed, “the city’s hippest orchestra” by Chicago
Tribune, before going on to be honored in 2016 with a prestigious
MacArthur award. Embracing daring programming has always been
part of its history. In turn, audience response has been
unprecedented. The legacy, passed to Maestro Chen and all of us at
the Sinfonietta, goes far beyond what you will see on stage.
During its rich history, Chicago Sinfonietta has influenced broad
cultural change and emerged as an innovator within the classical
music industry by presenting provocative programs and by
engaging diverse audiences through community partnerships. As we
approach 35 years of being on the cutting edge of classical
music, we see Maestro Freeman’s vision is just as relevant and
crucial today.
Spotlight Guest
Blake-Anthony Johnson, President & CEO
Chicago Sinfonietta Offers Community Through Music | Since 1987 (nctv17.org)
