Paul Freeman dies at age 79

Chicago Sinfonetta founder

Paul Freeman, the founder of the Chicago Sinfonetta, is dead at age 79.

The Sinfonetta announced Freeman's death on its website, saying the conductor had been fighting several ailments in recent years. He retired in 2011.

Sinfonetta director of operations Courtney Perkins says Freeman died late Tuesday in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, with his wife, Cornelia, and son, Douglas, at his side.

Freeman was born in Richmond, Virginia. He founded the Chicago Sinfonetta in 1987 as a mid-sized orchestra