“Jim Hirsch, who has served as executive director and CEO of the Chicago Sinfonietta since 2004, will step down on July 1, 2020,” writs Howard Reich in Tuesday’s (7/16) Chicago Tribune. “ ‘I am grateful for being given the chance in 2004 to become a member of the Sinfonietta family,’ said Hirsch in a statement. ‘This work has been challenging, meaningful, and fulfilling.’ Under Hirsch’s leadership, the Sinfonietta saw the retirement of founding music director Paul Freeman in June, 2011; the appointment of Mei-Ann Chen as Freeman’s successor in July, 2011; and the creation of Project Inclusion, ‘a fellowship program that seeks to address the dearth of minority musicians and conductors performing in U.S. orchestras,’ according to the Sinfonietta…. The Sinfonietta’s board of directors will announce a process to find Hirsch’s replacement this summer.” In a statement, Music Director Mei-Ann Chen described Hirsch as a “risk-taker, team builder and dedicated professional…. Never one to back away from the daring and unusual, he has allowed me and the orchestra the luxury to dream and create…. Jim has been a positive force of unwavering support in all our efforts.… During his tenure, the Sinfonietta has been awarded the prestigious MacArthur Award, and received increased national exposure.”
Posted July 17, 2019
