Paul Freeman, founder of Chicago Sinfonietta, remembered

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Paul Freeman, a pioneer in Chicago's fine arts community who died Tuesday, is being remembered for his legacy as the founder of the Chicago Sinfonietta.

In the 1960s, Maestro Freeman met Dr. Martin Luther King shortly after Freeman was selected to lead the Atlanta Symphony. Dr. King told him "Glory Hallelujah. You are breaking down one of the last bastions of elitism."

Freeman certainly did that in Chicago and around the world with his ground-breaking orchestra.

He was a giant in the world of classical music and a pioneer for musicians of color. Freeman's Chicago Sinfonietta was often called the most diverse orchestra in the country.

"We have an emphasis on trying to develop the talent of Hispanic and African American musicians as well as soloists in the orchestra," Freeman said in 2005.

For Maestro Freeman, inclusion was a mission and his passion.

"If you look at the Sinfonietta's musicians today, nowhere else will you see the diversity -- racial, ethnic, varieties of people that are performing," said Virginia Clarke, Sinfonietta board chairwoman. "And these are professional musicians. And these are folks that haven't always had a shot."

Freeman was an internationally known and respected conductor who led more than 100 orchestras in 28 countries. His legend reached far beyond our borders.

In fact, he even had a syndicated radio series called the Global Maestro. During that time, he was also the artistic director of the Czech National Symphony.

Steve Robinson, general manager of WFMT radio network, witnessed one performance in Prague.

"He got a standing ovation," Robinson said. "The audience in Europe just jumped up and brought him back six times. So for them, Paul was a conductor who happened to be African-American."

His goal was to expose all kinds of people to the world of classical music and he nurtured a generation of devoted followers.

"He gave me my first opportunity to perform with a professional orchestra in San Francisco," said cellist Yo-Yo Ma. "And I will never forget it."

" I think his legacy is that legion of people for whom he opened the door just a crack and were able to walk through it because of his integrity, because of his commitment," said Jim Hirsch, executive director of Chicago Sinfonietta

A few years ago, Freeman turned over the reins to Mei-Ann Chen.