Board Diversity

Why does the League track orchestra demographics? How was this data analyzed? What steps are orchestras taking to improve diversity of representation? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions. 

Previously static, the representation of people of color on orchestra boards nearly doubled, rising from 9.5% in 2015 to 18.1% in 2025. This increase was primarily driven by the appointment of new Black and Asian board members.

Despite this progress, orchestra boards remained less diverse than those of opera companies and the broader nonprofit sector. Hispanic and American Indian/Alaska Native representation remained notably low throughout the decade.

Women’s representation remained relatively unchanged between 2015 and 2025. While gender parity was maintained overall, women were more concentrated on the boards of small to mid-sized orchestras.

Non-binary representation on orchestra boards was reported at 0.1% in 2025, aligning with trends in the broader nonprofit sector but falling short of the estimated non-binary population in the U.S.

Why does the League track orchestra demographics? How was this data analyzed? What steps are orchestras taking to improve diversity of representation? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions.