The Chicago Sinfonietta is facing a changing of the guard this season. Maestro Paul Freeman, who founded the ensemble in 1987, is retiring from the group, leaving the baton in the hands of Mei-Ann Chen. Chen’s reputation and qualifications leave no doubt that the ensemble is in very capable hands. Not only has Chen conducted all over the world, but she was also the first woman to win the prestigious Malko Competition.

For Freeland’s final concert with the Sinfonietta, he and Chen worked together to create a program to recognize women in classical music. (The image used in the marketing is just perfect, don’t you think?!?)

The concert, heard on May 22 and repeated on May 23, features works by Jennifer Higdon, Gwyneth Walker, Ellen Taaffe Zwilich, and Reneé Baker. Even if you can’t make it to the concert, you can still read the program notes online here.

The Sinfonietta’s mission is Musical Excellence through Diversity – I look forward to more inclusive and interesting programming from the group under Chen’s baton!