Chicago Sinfonietta Appoints New President and CEO

Sidney P. Jackson Jr. will step into the role

The Chicago Sinfonietta has announced that Sidney P. Jackson Jr. has been appointed as its new President and CEO. A highly experienced executive in non-profit and arts organizations, Jackson was selected from 186 candidates who hailed from across the United States, Canada, and Europe.

In a statement, the ensemble noted that Jackson has particular strengths in organizational development, fundraising, cultivating relationships, and developing community and education programs that benefit diverse communities.

His most recent position was as Vice President for Development of the New Jersey Symphony, where he led a multi-million-dollar fundraising initiative. This appeal surpassed its target, resulting in significantly greater donor engagement. In addition, Jackson designed and launched the ensemble’s Centennial celebration campaign.

He has also worked at a range of New York City non-profit organizations, including Helpusadopt.org, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, and Harlem School for the Arts.

Jackson will step into the role on June 13, 2025, and will succeed Wendy Lewis, who has been serving as interim President and CEO.

"It is with great pleasure that we welcome Sidney P. Jackson, Jr. as the new President and CEO of Chicago Sinfonietta," said James Weidner, Board Chair of the Chicago Sinfonietta. "He is a natural fit for our MacArthur Award-winning modern 21st century organization. Sidney’s deep understanding of our mission, his extensive experience in development, his strategic acuity and his commitment to artistic excellence across varied genres make him uniquely qualified to lead us into an exciting future while preserving the legacy of our founder, Maestro Paul Freeman. Because of Maestro Freeman’s vision, Chicago Sinfonietta is recognized as a champion of innovation and inclusion, both on and off the stage."

"This is an exciting time for Chicago Sinfonietta as we head toward our 40th anniversary. Identifying the arts executive best suited to lead Chicago Sinfonietta into its next chapter is a monumental task, and I sincerely thank the Board search committee, Principal Dennis Hanthorn of Oppenheim Executive Search, and especially Wendy Lewis, who has served as the Sinfonietta's Interim CEO since January, for their dedicated efforts."

"It is an extraordinary honor to lead Chicago Sinfonietta, an organization founded by the visionary Maestro Paul Freeman to shatter racial and cultural boundaries in classical music," Jackson said. "Today, under the dynamic artistic leadership of Maestro Mei-Ann Chen, that mission is not only alive but thriving. As someone whose career has been rooted at the intersection of social justice and the arts, I am committed to carrying this bold legacy forward. Together with our extraordinary musicians, staff, and community, we will continue building a future where equity, innovation, and excellence define who we are."