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Chicago Sinfonietta honors Saily Joshi at annual fundraiser
The fundraiser featured donations, a silent auction, a live auction and sponsorships, contributing to the total amount raised.
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Staff Reporter - Wed, 15, Apr 2026
- 03:03 EDT
- 14
Saily Joshi and Chicago Sinfonietta CEO Sidney Jackson / Chicago Sinfonietta
Naperville Resident Saily Joshi Honored as Chicago Sinfonietta raised nearly $275,000 during its annual fundraising event, Soundscape, held April 11 at the Epiphany Center for the Arts in Chicago. The event drew more than 150 attendees and supported the orchestra’s education and community engagement programs, as well as its concert series.
The Chicago Sinfonietta is an American orchestra based in Chicago, Illinois. The orchestra was founded in 1987 under the guidance of conductor and music director Paul Freeman to address the disconnect between the lack of diversity in orchestras and the vibrant, nuanced, communities in which they play.
The fundraiser featured donations, a silent auction, a live auction and sponsorships, contributing to the total amount raised. Attendees included Sinfonietta President and CEO Sidney Jackson, Board Chair Wendy Lewis, Vice Chair Althea Lee and Music Director Mei-Ann Chen, along with board members and civic leaders.
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Joshi, a Naperville resident, and the Sinfonietta’s South Side Friends were recognized for their long-standing support of the organization. Their efforts have focused on expanding audiences, building community among music enthusiasts in Naperville and Chicago’s South Side, and supporting both performances and educational initiatives.
“Receiving the Elizabeth Wilkins Impact Award from the Chicago Sinfonietta is a deeply meaningful honor,” Joshi said. “For more than 15 years, I have watched the Sinfonietta inspire audiences, celebrate the rich diversity of composers and musicians it brings to the stage, and strengthen communities through the transformative power of music.”
She added that the recognition reinforces the importance of inclusion in the arts. “It affirms my belief in the importance of creating spaces where belonging and inclusion are not just ideals, but lived experiences,” she said. “As someone who has seen its influence reach communities like mine in Naperville, this award represents not just recognition but a shared commitment to expanding access to the arts and celebrating every voice within them.”
The evening included live performances by Sinfonietta musicians, featuring a harpist, electric viola, string quartet and woodwind quintet.
Guests were served hors d’oeuvres and small plates, including smoked salmon cannolis, beef empanadas, mac bites and assorted salads. The menu also featured a baked potato bar and mini Chicago-style dishes such as hot dogs, deep-dish pizza and Italian beef sandwiches.
Proceeds from the event will fund the orchestra’s ongoing programming in schools and communities, as well as its upcoming performances.
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