INITIATIVES & COMMUNITY PROGRAMS

Chicago Sinfonietta is proud to be a leader in innovative programming and education.

Through initiatives like Project W, Pay-What-You-Can Program, and our Artist-in-Residence pilot, we are constantly pushing traditional notions of what an orchestra can be by lifiting underrepresented voices and creating accessibility and connection through music.

Through our many educational programs, Chicago Sinfonietta provides thousands of children and adults with the opportunity to learn about and experience classical music. For many, these programs provide their only exposure to the rich cultural traditions embodied by the music.

Much of our programming is designed to steward the next generation of diverse musicians, conductors, administrators, and patrons of classical music -- from their formative years in elementary school to the beginning of their professional careers throughout the country. We engage with students inside their classrooms, at schools, and at concerts, providing them with multiple free Sinfonietta tickets to empower them to effect change in their families and communities.

It is our belief that people, and especially young people, can't be what they can't see. Sinfonietta initiatives and program play an important part of sustaining our model of diversity and inclusion in symphonic music for generations to come.

Learn more about our programs below:

Project Inclusion's Freeman Fellowship Program is Chicago Sinfonietta’s groundbreaking program where talent and mentorship converge to develop diverse and emerging musicians, conductors, and administrators on and off-stage.

Our Pay-What-You-Can Program make performing arts a part of daily life, we we offer a variety of ticket options, with prices starting at $5.

Chicago Sinfonietta's community and public programs are designed to build partnerships and genuine collaboration with communities primarily on the south and west sides of Chicago.

Project W began as Chicago Sinfonietta’s year-long initiative to highlight contemporary, diverse, women composers through commissioned work for the orchestra’s 16th album and 30th anniversary.

MakingMUSIC is the Sinfonietta’s core in-school education program. This multi-stage initiative provides Chicago Public School students with a long-term learning experience, increasing the students’ depth of understanding and degree of retention.

Our Artist-in-Residence program is one of Chicago Sinfonietta’s many efforts to champion important voices and evolve the relationship between artists and audience. The partnership is designed to highlight creativity that could only be achieved through collaboration.