In that time, (1987–1997) guest performers included the Vienna Boys' Choir, Ben Vereen, and Marian McPartland.
In its second decade, the group released three new recordings and performed with guests including Poi Dog Pondering, Howard Levy, Rachel Barton Pine, Orbert Davis, and the Apostolic Church of God Choir.
Freeman founded the Chicago Sinfonietta after not finding enough conducting opportunities for African American conductors, instrumentalists and composers.
Chen's tenure as music director was formally introduced to the city on August 14, 2011, with a free concert in Millennium Park.
[1][non-primary source needed] This album is the culmination "of a year-long initiative centered around the recognition of contemporary, diverse women composers.