The Chicago Sinfonietta pursues “true cultural democracy” in America, a vision that begins with its personnel, which is comprised of more than 50% minority musicians. Since its inception in 1987, the Sinfonietta has sought to shape itself as an inclusive classical music community. The ensemble’s repertoire includes such singular compositional voices as Beethoven, Ravel, Strauss, Ives, Barber, and Bernstein. Beyond its concerts, the organization educates 4th through 6th grade students though its Audience Matters program, provides guidance for emerging high school musicians, and offers one to two-year fellowships—including salary, mentoring, and career development—to young minority musicians.
Chicago Sinfonietta Information
- Venues: Wentz Concert Hall (171 E. Chicago Avenue, Naperville); Symphony Center (220 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago); Harris Theater (205 E. Randolph Street, Chicago)
- Public Transportation: Excellent for all locations. Wentz Concert Hall (a short walk from Pace buses 530, 677, 678, 680, 683, 684, 686, and 714 at Chicago Avenue/Washington Street; and a 12-minute walk from Metrarail and Amtrak trains at the Naperville Amtrak Station); Symphony Center (within a short walk from several CTA buses that run along Michigan Avenue and Adams Street; and a 2-minute walk from subway lines Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple at the Adams Street/Wabash Avenue stop); Harris Theater (steps from Metrarail and South Shore Line trains at the Randolph Street Metra Station; within a short walk from several CTA buses that run along Michigan Avenue and Randolph Street; and a 4-minute walk from subway lines Brown, Green, Orange, Pink, and Purple at the Randolph Street/Wabash Avenue stop)
- Handicapped Accessibility: Good for each venue
- Performances/Programs: Five series concerts plus a free summer concert and one special concert
- Ticket Prices: Wentz Concert Hall performances range from $35–$45; other concerts range from $26–$50; children 6–12 years old $10
- Subscriptions: Wentz Series – 3-concert ($90–$115), 4-concert ($112–$144). Symphony Center Series – 3-concert ($67–$245); 4-concert ($83–$307); 5-concert ($98–$188)
- Brio Membership: Special membership for 21–44 year-old patrons. Three levels are available (3-concert $158; 4-concert $180; 5-concert $198). Benefits include invitations to member-only events; exclusive Backstage “Meet the Maestro” opportunity for one performance; meet and greet opportunities with the Sinfonietta’s guest artists and musicians; discounted membership packages or single tickets at the lowest rate; name listing in a concert program book during the season; one free ticket to a future concert for a friend, colleague, or business contact; and special volunteer opportunities.
