Latest News
Mar-20-2024 —

The Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO) has announced that internationally-acclaimed conductor Mei-Ann Chen–who was guest conductor for the SSO’s 2023-24 opening night performance–is joining the SSO in the newly-created position of Artistic Advisor, effective for the 2024-25 season.

In her new position with the SSO, Maestra Chen will serve as the orchestra’s artistic face, curating programs, selecting guest soloists and facilitating other artistic needs. Chen will also conduct a minimum of two symphonic concerts per season. At the same time, the SSO will continue to engage guest conductors in performances of the Symphony.

 

Jan-15-2024 —

"The Chicago Sinfonietta upheld one of its integral annual customs despite Sunday’s frigid temperatures, presenting its Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Concert at Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville. In keeping with tradition, the matinee program centered on works by black American composers, this year featuring works by Scott Joplin, Xavier Foley, and Margaret Bonds.oncerto for contrabass, heard here in its Chicagoland debut.

"Sinfonietta music director Mei-Ann Chen offered her ebullient advocacy both in extolling the works’ virtue and through her dedicated, enthusiastic conducting—none more so than in Xavier Foley’s “Victory” Concerto for contrabass, heard here in its Chicagoland debut. "-Chicago Classical Review

 

Nov-30-2023 —

"Chen has since established a celebrated conducting career and is in demand internationally across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. But her primary post is with the Chicago Sinfonietta; she has served as the orchestra’s music director since 2011, and her contract was recently extended through ​​the end of the 2028-2029 season."

"Chen is diminutive but powerful, with an exacting style of conducting that commands attention"
San Francisco Classical Voice
“Her controlled yet fluid conducting style combined clear cues and beats with sweeping, circular gestures reminiscent of the great maestro Seiji Ozawa.”
The Press Democrat (CA)
“The performance indeed offered a captivating and inspired interpretation.”
Sydsvenskan