Chicago Sinfonietta / Mei-Ann Chen PROJECT W

Project W began as Chicago Sinfonietta’s year-long initiative to highlight contemporary, diverse, women composers through four commissioned works by Clarice Assad, Reena Esmail, Jennifer Higdon, and Jessie Montgomery culminating in the recording of the orchestra’s 16th album.

Innovation, imagination, passion and dynamism are the hallmarks of conductor Mei-Ann Chen. Music Director of the 2016 MacArthur Award-winning Chicago Sinfonietta, she is acclaimed for infusing the orchestra with energy, enthusiasm and high-level music-making, and galvanizing audiences and communities alike. In December 2015, Musical America, the bible of the performing arts industry, named Mei-Ann Chen one of its 2015 Top 30 Influencers. A sought-after guest conductor, Ms. Chen’s reputation as a compelling communicator has resulted in growing popularity with orchestras both nationally and internationally.  

This gender representation gap is not for lack of talented composers and great music. All three finalists (and needless to say, winner Du Yun) for the 2017 Pulitzer Prize in Music were women. Jennifer Higdon continues to be one of America’s most acclaimed and most frequently performed living composers (and yes, she is also a Pulitzer Prize winner.) Women composers are increasingly winning residencies and recognition across the nation.