Gradients of Trust An ethnographic study of The Union for Contemporary Art in Om...
February 12, 2026
report
The Legacy of a Founder
An ethnographic study of Chicago Sinfonietta
This brief looks at how the legacy of an organization’s founding leader can continue into its future
February 2026
2 Min Read
Table of Contents
Overview
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Ideas In Practice
Document
- Publisher(s)
- The Wallace Foundation
Page Count
2 pages
Summary
How we did this
The researcher conducted interviews with current staff members of Chicago Sinfonietta to capture oral histories. They also reviewed the organization’s archival documents and reviews of past productions in historically Black periodicals, such as the Chicago Defender.
Chicago Sinfonietta is an orchestra founded in 1987 by composer Paul Freeman. Its mission is to champion diversity, equity, and inclusion by creating community through bold symphonic experiences. During his career, Freeman worked to advance Black artists in classical music, which then drove the work and mission of Sinfonietta. Though Freeman stepped down as music director of the Sinfonietta in 2011, his legacy continues to inform the organization’s practice and programming.
The researcher found through their ethnographic research that preserving and understanding the histories of Black-founded and -led organizations like the Sinfonietta may help support future leaders and staff members as organizations expand. It may also be useful when developing updated fundraising strategies, community engagement efforts, and more.
This brief is based on a study by Timnet Gedar.
With the high-profile Freeman at the helm, Chicago Sinfonietta helped to bring classical music to the city’s chronically underserved communities.
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