Hirsch, former Old Town School chief, to head Sinfonietta

Jim Hirsch, 51, executive director of the Old Town School of FolkMusic from 1982 to 2000, has been named the Chicago Sinfonietta's newexecutive director.

An experienced administrator, he comes aboard after more than ayear of administrative turnover at the 18-year-old ensemble.

Founded by conductor Paul Freeman as a classical chamber orchestradevoted to diversity in its personnel and programming, theSinfonietta has struggled to find its audience and financialresources. Hirsch's new position had been vacant for more than sixmonths.

During Hirsch's tenure, the Old Town School's budget grew from$300,000 to $7 million, and the …