Episode 35 with Blake-Anthony Johnson

Today we are joined by Blake-Anthony Johnson, CEO of the Chicago Sinfonietta. He became the first African American to hold such a position with a nationally renowned orchestra when he began his tenure in 2020. He also serves on a number of boards and committees, including the Sir Georg Solti Foundation, the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events, and the EDI Orchestral Management Committee at the League of American Orchestras. He first became interested in orchestral management while a student at Vanderbilt University, from which he earned a Bachelor of Music in cello performance. He then completed his Masters degree right up the road at Cleveland State University, during which time he performed with the Canton Symphony! He went on to perform as a member of the New World Symphony, and also appeared with the Cincinnati and Nashville Symphonies before turning his focus to management. Blake-Anthony Johnson, thank you so much for joining us today.

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