The Chicago Sinfonietta will pause artistic and educational activities at the end of its 2025-26 season this month amid financial challenges, the organization announced Thursday.
A spokesperson confirmed that the group will lay off its seven administrative staffers, leaving President and CEO Sidney Jackson as the only full-time employee. The orchestra will still play this weekend’s concerts, including a rendition of Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” a tribute to Miles Davis and a performance of William Dawson’s “Negro Folk Symphony,” in Naperville and Evanston.
The orchestra plans to relaunch public programs in 2027, which marks its 40th anniversary. It will also present a fundraising event tied to MLK Day.
Concert attendance and audience contributions have not returned to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels, according to a statement. As a result, the organization will focus on fundraising and sustainability planning during a “strategic renewal period.” Patrons can visit chicagosinfonietta.org/give to make donations, which will be matched up to $25,000 by an anonymous donor.
“While we have made significant mission-driven and programmatic progress in recent years, we cannot be sustainable if we don’t make changes to our operating model,” said Chicago Sinfonietta CEO Sidney Jackson in a release. “This strategic pause will allow us to reimagine future artistic and educational programs that will also be financially positive. Future seasons and programming may look different but will be rooted both in our mission and a growth mindset, operating from a position of strength and sustainability.”
Paul Freeman founded the Chicago Sinfionetta in 1987 with a mission to advance equity in classical music by developing diverse talent and reaching underserved audiences. The organization’s pause in programming is happening during a precarious time for the arts sector. In the last year, President Donald Trump has criticized the Smithsonian for “divisive, race-centered ideology” and made cuts to federal arts funding for organizations that fail to prohibit programs supporting diversity, equity and inclusion.
“Securing the future of this organization is crucial,” Music Director Mei-Ann Chen said in a statement. “Being entrusted with its musical identity by Maestro Freeman himself and the board 15 years ago is an artistic responsibility I treasure, especially for the unique mission championing DEI through innovative programming. I am proud to stand by and honored to work with Sinfonietta’s musicians — without their shared passion and talent, Maestro Freeman’s vision would not exist today.”