CELEBRATING 35 YEARS

Chicago Sinfonietta has been blazing a bold new path for classical music for 35 years, and we’re still just getting started!  

At Chicago Sinfonietta, our core values are built around being bold and daring in all aspects of our work, providing a source of connectivity in our community, and inspiring a continued investment in diversity and inclusion in classical music. And we do this both in the concert hall, and throughout our community.  

Through our annual repertoire, Music Director Mei-Ann Chen carries on the legacy of our Founder, Maestro Paul Freeman, by celebrating the work of composers of color, female artists, new compositions, new music, and underperformed pieces. This work is underpinned by our signature Project Inclusion Freeman Fellowship program. This ground-breaking initiative, started in 2008, supports diverse and early-career musicians, composers, and administrators, and since founding has served well over 80 fellows – more than all other similar fellowship programs in the country combined.  

Beyond the concert hall, community engagement is truly a cornerstone of Chicago Sinfonietta. We have a tremendous legacy of classical music education that is evidenced through a variety of school-based programs in Chicagoland, and via our community outreach programs are targeted throughout the south and west sides of Chicago.  

As we approach our 35th anniversary of being on the cutting edge of classical music, we do so with tremendous momentum. We are not only manifesting Maestro Freeman’s vision for equity and inclusion – we are ensuring that we will thrill audiences while doing it.  With special guests such as Julian Velasco, Rachel Barton Pine, and Inbal Segev, and compositions  that range from contemporary (Carlos Simon's Fate Now Conquers and Nkeiru Okoye's Voices Shouting Out) to old favorites (Respighi's Pines of Rome and Beethoven's 7th). 

Plus, we are offering more than ever outside the concert hall. Sinfonietta in Your Neighborhood gives you double the opportunity to enjoy CS, in unique venues all around Chicagoland. 

It’s our commitment to you that we will continue to be pioneers in this space, leading by example, and inspiring others to help create a more beautiful world.  

Thank you for being part of this journey and here’s to the next 35!