"Led by music director Mei-Ann Chen, Friday’s concert drew a large turnout, including many families with children (as well as several vocal infants and restive near-infants brought by overindulgent parents).

The program, titled “Reverb,” showed the Sinfonietta at its best with an adventurous, well-balanced lineup of music, including two engaging works by living composers and a long-neglected symphony."

It’s a statement that an upper-midwestern orchestra and this community of Historically Black Colleges can welcome each other, learn from each other, and feel at home together.

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.