Chicago Sinfonietta

The Chicago Sinfonietta is a distinguished and innovative orchestra recognized for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the realm of classical music. Founded by Maestro Paul Freeman, the orchestra has established itself as a cultural leader, creating community through bold and curated symphonic experiences. Under the leadership of CEO Blake-Anthony Johnson and Music Director Mei-Ann Chen, the Sinfonietta has continued to uphold its mission to champion diversity and inclusivity within the genre. With a history spanning over 35 years, the Chicago Sinfonietta has been at the forefront of innovation in the orchestral field. It prides itself on immersive audience engagement activities, impactful career development opportunities, education programs, and extensive community outreach. These efforts are rooted in the organization's core values of cultural responsiveness and advocacy for inclusivity. One of the Sinfonietta's signature programs is the Project Inclusion Fellowship, which was conceptualized during a strategic planning process in 2005. Recognizing the lack of diversity in American orchestras, the Sinfonietta, led by Maestro Freeman, orchestra personnel manager Renee Baker, and then CEO Jim Hirsch, created a fellowship program to support early-career musicians from diverse backgrounds. The program invites fellows to rehearse and perform with the orchestra for up to two years, offering a unique opportunity to gain professional experience. The inaugural class of Project Inclusion was introduced in January 2007 during the orchestra's MLK concert. Since then, the program has expanded to include conducting and administrative fellowships, furthering the organization's commitment to fostering diversity in all aspects of orchestral administration and performance. Following Maestro Freeman's passing, the fellowship was renamed the Project Inclusion Freeman Fellowship in his honor. The Chicago Sinfonietta's programming includes a variety of concerts and events, each designed to resonate with its mission. Seasons are thoughtfully crafted with concerts such as "Amplify," "Depth," "Pulse," "Echo," and "Reverb," along with special events like the "Holidays of Light" and the "Soundscape" annual gala. The orchestra also honors its founder with the MLK Tribute Concert, a testament to its dedication to community and inclusivity. The Sinfonietta's outreach extends beyond the concert hall with initiatives like the Freeman Fellowship Program, The RASA Project, and the Pay What You Can Program. These initiatives underscore the organization's dedication to education and community engagement, ensuring that classical music is accessible to all. In recognition of its efforts, the Chicago Sinfonietta has received transformative support, including a significant award from the Mellon Foundation. This support has allowed the Sinfonietta to continue its mission and expand its impact within the arts community and beyond. The Chicago Sinfonietta remains a beacon of innovation and inclusivity in the classical music world, inspiring others with its vision of a more equitable and diverse orchestral landscape.