Chicago, IL - Dedicated to achieving gender equality in the music industry, the
Donne Foundation creates impact through education and inspiration, and projects such as Donne, Women in Music. The Foundation's latest research "Equality & Diversity in Global Repertoire," on repertoire presented by 111 select orchestras from 31 countries during the 2021-22 season found that of those organizations, Chicago Sinfonietta was "the only orchestra to achieve 50/50 gender equality with an amazing diversity of composers as well."
As a result of the findings, Donne has selected Chicago Sinfonietta as the first recipient of its first Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Champions Award.
“I am delighted to present this award to the Chicago Sinfonietta and their Music Director Mei Ann-Chen. Their motto is to be innovative, bold, and inclusive and they are the real evidence that it can be done! I hope the world is watching and that many will follow their incredible inspiration,” stated Gabriella Di Laccio, soprano and founder of the Donne Foundation.
"The Chicago Sinfonietta has been a pioneering force championing musicians of color and women for years, and it is especially wonderful when such efforts are recognized officially," said Maestra Mei-Ann Chen. "Special thanks to the hard work of Gabriella Di Laccio and Donne, Women in Music for its contribution collecting repertoire done by orchestras and especially for its inaugural EDI Champions Award."
Executive Director Blake-Anthony Johnson stated, “Our Freeman Fellowships, the appointment of Maestra Chen as Music Director, Kathryn Bostic as our inaugural Artist in Residence, and our acclaimed Project W highlighting contemporary, diverse, women composers are just a few examples of Chicago Sinfonietta’s commitment to equity & representation within the arts. Our push to make the universal language of music universally accessible has been our mission from day one, and we are pleased to be honored for our legacy but most importantly our dedication to the work ahead.”
ABOUT THE DONNE FOUNDATION
With a mission to create a more equitable music industry, the Donne Foundation is a charitable foundation that celebrates, advances, and amplifies women in music. Founded by the award-winning soprano
Gabriella Di Laccio, named one of the BBC’s 100 most inspirational and influential women in the world in November 2018, the Foundation curates "The Big List" of female composers and their works (over 5,000 strong and growing), education and research projects, and multi-media content, podcasts, tailored programmes and playlists, and more.
The Foundation's Partners include the Arts Council England, Scala Radio, PRS Foundation, St. Benedict's School, Drama Musica, and Private Goodness.
ABOUT CHICAGO SINFONIETTA
A tenured orchestra and acclaimed cultural leader that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion by creating community through curated symphonic experiences, Chicago Sinfonietta (CS) is a source of community through music, as well as ensuring and inspiring a continued investment in diversity and inclusivity in the genre of classical music to promote fairness and equity. Recognized as groundbreaking, dynamic and daring, with core values built around being culturally responsive and advocates of inclusivity in all aspects of the 35-year-old organization’s work, Chicago Sinfonietta’s unrelenting commitment to being at the forefront of innovation drives its high standard of symphonic experiences. CS takes pride in leading by example with immersive audience engagement activities, impactful career development, education, and extensive community outreach programs.
Chicago Sinfonietta's progressive board is over 50 % female, almost 50% Black, almost 10% Latino, and 11 % Asian, and has an Associate Board that is equally diverse.
www.chicagosinfonietta.org
Press Contact
Laura Grant
Grant Communications
917.359.7319
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