Blake-Anthony Johnson © Andrew Collins | Chicago Sinfonietta
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The president of the board of directors of the James Weidner, announced this Monday that who has successfully served as President and CEO for five seasons since March 2020, will leave his position on January 1, 2025 to take on a new role in New Orleans. Johnson is the first African-American executive to lead a nationally recognized, unionized American orchestra with international visibility.
Appointed just before the start of the pandemic Johnson’s tenure was marked by both unprecedented challenges and transformative growth. As the global crisis unfolded, Johnson quickly pivoted the organization from live performances and events to online performances and events, guiding the Sinfonietta through financial uncertainty, turning around the organization’s finances by rebuilding cash reserves and diversifying income streams. Thanks to his strong leadership, the Chicago Sinfonietta navigated the pandemic without laying off any staff members or musicians, remained fully operational, grew its international presence to 40 countries, and established itself as a leader in virtual programming during a critical time.
Under Johnson’s leadership, the Sinfonietta achieved a 200% increase in sustained revenue, nearly tripled its seasonal operating budget, increased musicians’ base pay by 20%, and tripled its staff to support expanded programming. He also negotiated the organization’s move to the historic Auditorium Theater in downtown Chicago and its appointment as resident orchestra, reestablished a number of subscriptions, and welcomed new audiences. His work also secured the largest individual and institutional donations in the Sinfonietta’s history, along with uninterrupted years of unqualified audits, solidifying its financial stability.
During his tenure, Johnson introduced several innovative initiatives that not only demonstrated his commitment to community-centered service and equity, but also reinforced the Sinfonietta’s mission, including: the establishment of the Artist-in-Residence (AIR) program ), now in its third iteration; the orchestra’s first tour in decades – Homecoming – in partnership with the Atlanta University Center’s HBCUs; and CS360, a symphonic metaverse experience. Its Pay-What-You-Can ticketing model, introduced in fall 2021, hailed by the and the and adopted throughout the country, guarantees access to the arts for all. Johnson also expanded the Board of Directors beyond Chicago, reflecting the organization’s growing presence.
Artistic achievements flourished, with multiple world premieres and new commissions each season. In 2025, the Sinfonietta will record its first album in six years with Cedille Records and artist duo Flutronix.
The Sinfonietta’s efforts under the leadership of Blake-Anthony Johnson have garnered national and international recognition. Among his many honors, Johnson was named Chicagoan of the Year in Classical Music by the Chicago Tribune, named to Crain’s Chicago Business’ 40 Under 40 list, was selected for a Black Men in Excellence Award by the Black Professionals Network, and recognized as one of Musical America’s 30 best professionals of the year.
In addition to his work with the Sinfonietta, Johnson has an extensive list of civic leadership roles. He currently serves as co-chair of the Cultural Advisory Council of the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), providing advice on critical cultural policies and initiatives. He has also represented the City of Chicago on international delegations, including arts-focused countries such as Japan, Canada, and throughout Europe. A member of the Economic Club of Chicago and the Commercial Club of Chicago, Johnson also serves on the board of directors of organizations such as the Brevard Music Center and the Sir Georg Solti Foundation, among many others.
Johnson’s last day as CEO and president will be January 1, 2025. Upon his departure, he will join forces with the president and vice president of the Chicago Sinfonietta board of directors to lead a transition leadership team that will guide the organization through the incorporation of a new executive director. He will continue to serve in a reduced capacity as an executive advisor during the transition, ensuring stability and continuity during this period of change.
Johnson’s new position is with the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation (NOJHF), a 50-year-old foundation that is home to the internationally renowned Jazz Festival, the Heritage School of Music, the Jazz and Heritage Archive, the WWOZ radio and the Wein Center. With an annual budget of $60 million, the institution champions both tradition and innovation, preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of New Orleans and Louisiana through various programs, events and community initiatives. .
