Lindsey Sharpe assumes the role, having previously served as section cello in the 2024-25 season
The Chicago Sinfonietta has announced the appointment of Lindsey Sharpe as its new principal cello. Sharpe was a member of the cello section in the 2024-25 season, and succeeds the Sinfonietta’s founding principal cello Ann Griffin, who steps aside into the assistant principal role.
Sharpe is a cellist, educator, and arts administrator based in Chicago. An active orchestral musician, Sharpe also holds positions with D-Composed, Sphinx Virtuosi and Northwest Indiana Symphony.
She recently completed a three-year term with the Civic Orchestra of Chicago and has performed with ensembles including the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Gateways Music Festival, Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, Chineke! Orchestra, Music of the Baroque, Grant Park Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Chicago Philharmonic, New World Symphony, and the Classical Tahoe Festival Orchestra.
Her versatility has also led her to the stage with artists such as Stevie Wonder, Nas, Lauryn Hill, Chance the Rapper, and Smokey Robinson. Sharpe has also been featured live on WFMT, performing in both the Rush Hour Concert Series and her own solo recital for the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series.
As an educator, Sharpe is a faculty member for the Merit School of Music and coaches for Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra. As an arts administrator, Lindsey has held positions with several reputable arts organisations and currently works as Account Coordinator for 8VA Music Consultancy, a PR firm representing the world’s most notable classical artists.
Raised in Atlanta, GA, she began playing cello at age seven and piano at age ten. Sharpe is an alumna of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra’s Talent Development Program where she studied with Martha Gerschefski. She holds degrees from the University of Michigan and the Shepherd School of Music at Rice University, where she studied with Anthony Elliott and Norman Fischer, respectively.
Sharpe performs on a cello made in 1994 by Gary Garavaglia in the workshop of William Harris Lee & Co.
’Stepping into the Principal role brings a deeper sense of responsibility—not just musically, but as a leader within the ensemble,’ said Sharpe in a statement. ’I’m excited for the challenge of setting the tone for the section, helping shape our collective sound, and building strong collaboration with the other principals.’
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