AllySHIFT: My Love Letter For Chicago Sinfonietta

There are few things that can create more space, inclusion and belonging than music.  The power of music is that it is “soul food”.  Like all of us, I grew up listening and loving the sights and sounds of a selection or a combination of musical genres. The choices and classifications are endless. Remember when you discovered what you really liked?  Remember how it opened up a world of people, places and things without a lot of effort other than your willingness to make the time to take it in. 

My Mother introduced us to Classical music when we were young. The orchestra did not resemble the body of musicians that I had seen before, and the selections performed occasionally sounded familiar but were distinct and hard to describe. That concert would be my first symphonic experience. I do not recall the repertoire; I do remember the experience. Years ago, I was introduced to Chicago Sinfonietta and I witnessed and experienced music and musicians that were familiar and musical selections that were not. Familiar or not, I remember that I loved it and wanted more. Learning the origin story of the orchestra and vision of Maestro Paul Freeman was my invitation to listen and learn more, appreciate and show up more and eventually do more by joining the Chicago Sinfonietta's Board. 

I have shared Chicago Sinfonietta with you in a previous Wendy Wednesday and some of you have attended the concerts and have become lovers of this organization and art form as well.  This orchestra is exceptional and so special in more ways than I can tell you.  The orchestra’s most recent performance of our season finale, AMERICAN RHAPSODY was extraordinary and truly delightful!  Here is some background:

“In 1924, Rhapsody in Blue opened with a wild, sliding clarinet note that made people sit up straight. What followed was the first true fusion of jazz and orchestra — bold piano, jazz rhythms, and memorable melodies. Guest pianist Clayton Stephenson, praised as “a poet and master storyteller,” brings this electrifying music to life.

Then experience something brand new. blues, ballads, bebop, a tribute to Miles Davis, is a world premiere by Chicago Sinfonietta’s own principal violist, Seth Pae, honoring the Chicago-legend who reinvented jazz again and again.

The evening closes with William Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony, built on three African American spirituals he loved as a child, and brought to the symphonic stage in 1934, breaking barriers in the process.” – chicagosinfonietta.org

For me, our concerts on Friday, May 17^th and Sunday May 19^th were the best and worst of times. The best because it was a joy and extreme pleasure to be on the receiving end of what our Maestra, composers, musicians and artistic staff delivered.  The worst because of the message that I delivered. Here is the message, I hope and pray that you will read this and act accordingly.

“Chicago Sinfonietta pauses its season and lays off staff.”

That is correct, we will pause concerts and educational activities for a time to realign our fundraising and operations model.

Bottom line, we are in crisis. It is public and it is our new reality, we call this pause period, Strategic Renewal, and to be clear, it is a pause, NOT A STOP!

What has NOT paused or changed is the vision of our founder Paul Freeman, the excellence of our Maestra Mei-Ann Chen, the phenomenal performance of our orchestra, brilliance of our Freeman Fellows and the dedication and commitment of our staff. As you have just experienced, our concerts are second to none and will remain so.

This is treasure, Chicago Sinfonietta is classical culture that includes us all and invites us all to know and grow and love this music, this bold and dynamic music. Sinfonietta is belief and opportunity.  We cannot afford to lose or lessen this gift.  TOGETHER we can preserve what some may wish to erase.

There is a very simple Bible passage, “IT came to pass… the simple response to it is…IT came to pass, but not to stay” WE MUST NOT MISS THIS MOMENT!

On behalf of the Chicago Sinfonietta organization, I am asking for your help. 

Simply: PLEASE DONATE, NOW AND LATER. Stay connected to us, let us stay connected to you.

“Keep hope alive” is an action item, please do, please donate. CHICAGO SINFONIETTA IS EVERYTHING!!!!

Thank you, good night .

- Wendy Lewis, Board Chair, Chicago Sinfonietta

To know Chicago Sinfonietta is to love it. Our financial challenges are unfortunately becoming a new normal, as many Arts organizations are struggling. Our situation is not unique, we as a symphonic organization are. I encourage you to take a moment to visit our site to learn more (Chicago Sinfonietta). 

Most importantly, please donate. Thank you!

With love,

Wendy