<p>Members of the Chicago Sinfonietta are facing an uncertain future following the organization’s public announcement Thursday that it will <a class="Link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/classical-music/2026/05/07/chicago-sinfonietta-layoff-program-pause-finance-classical-music-2027" >pause programming until 2027</a> and lay off administrative staff amid financial challenges.</p><p>Some musicians say they were blindsided by the decision when they were informed on Wednesday. They will play their final concerts this weekend in Naperville and Evanston.</p><p>Represented by the Chicago Federation of Musicians union, the approximately 60 instrumentalists had a four-year contract with the orchestra that was due to end on Aug. 31, and they do not know if they will be re-hired.