League Forward: May 2025

Dear Friends,

Connection is at the heart of everything we do at the League of American Orchestras, and in times of uncertainty and significant challenges for the arts, the solidarity of friends and colleagues across the orchestra world is more meaningful than ever. Thank you for being a supporter of the League!

This spring has been a powerful reminder of the many ways our field comes together—in person, in advocacy, and in shared purpose. From regional convenings in New York and Connecticut that brought local orchestra leaders together to spark new ideas, to the nationwide conversations around policy and community impact, we’ve seen how strong relationships shape and strengthen our field. Our recent Donor Town Hall with Marin Alsop reminded us of how music continues to inspire and unite us—a perfect prelude to the League’s National Conference.

We’re excited to welcome you to Salt Lake City this June for the League’s 80th National Conference, where nearly 1,000 orchestra delegates will come together for three days of learning, networking, and discovery. This year’s Conference theme is ASCEND—in our learning, our leadership, and our shared vision for the future of orchestral music. If you haven’t yet registered for Conference—there is still time!

The League continues to provide orchestras with critical updates amid the rapidly changing policy environment and one-to-one direct help to answer our members’ most urgent questions. We are national leaders in coalition efforts to speak up on key policy areas including federal arts funding, concert ticket fraud, visas for foreign guest artists, how tax reform will impact charitable giving, and more. Read our latest advocacy updates and alerts to learn more about these complex issues and the League resources available to help your orchestra. We invite you to check out our Playing Your Part guide and 2025 webinar to learn the latest tips for telling your orchestra’s story and engaging government, civic leaders, and community partners. 

Our regional and online gatherings have been inspiring. On March 24, the League and the Orchestra of St. Luke’s hosted the second annual New York Tri-State Orchestra Leadership Convening. The event took place at the DiMenna Center in Manhattan and brought together nearly 30 orchestra leaders from 12 orchestras from New York City, Connecticut, and New Jersey. Heather Noonan provided insights from Washington, I gave an update on the state of the field, and Eric Nelson from TRG Arts and Laura MacDonald from the Benefactor Group presented on trends in ticket sales and philanthropy. The evening featured an uplifting performance of Brahms’ String Quintet No. 2 in G Major, Op. 111, by musicians from the New Jersey Symphony, New York Philharmonic, Orchestra of St. Luke’s, and Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. 

On April 15, the League joined Orchestra Lumos, the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, and the New Haven Symphony Orchestra to host the Connecticut Orchestra Leadership Convening in New Haven. Orchestra leaders from across the state gathered for conversation, connection, and music to celebrate the inaugural Connecticut Orchestra Month.

This event featured a performance by musicians from the Hartford Symphony Orchestra, Orchestra Lumos, Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, and New Haven Symphony Orchestra with opening remarks by Dr. José García-León, Dean of Music at Yale University. I shared a national perspective on the evolving political and legal landscape with examples of how the League supports orchestras in Connecticut and across the country. Hosts Steven Collins, CEO of the Hartford Symphony Orchestra and Russell Jones, Executive Director of Orchestra Lumos, along with Dan Kohn, Director of Audience Engagement for Orchestra Lumos, led a discussion about the opportunities Connecticut Orchestra Month will present in future years. The event culminated in reflections from the field from David Roth, who serves on the Board of Directors at the Hartford Symphony Orchestra and the League, and Burton Alter, who serves on the Board of Directors at the New Haven Symphony Orchestra and the League.

On April 28, more than 100 League donors attended an exclusive Donor Town Hall with Marin Alsop, renowned conductor and this year’s League Gold Baton Award recipient. We explored the role of the music director, differences between how American orchestras and those in other parts of the world engage with their communities, and progress in the presence of women conductors and composers. If you missed the Town Hall, check out the recording.

We are  grateful to welcome Doug Hagerman, former Chair of the League’s Board and the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, to the League Legacy Society. Doug first connected with the League when his orchestra faced serious challenges—and credits the League’s support with helping turn things around. Through his philanthropy and planned gifts to both the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra and the League, Doug aims to ensure a vibrant future for orchestras everywhere. “A little bit now, and a lot later, will add up to a League that thrives for generations to come,” he says. Read the full interview. 

And finally, save the dates! We invite you to join us for League Giving Days, taking place June 11–13, 2025. Participate in three days dedicated to celebrating and supporting the League’s mission to champion, strengthen, and advance orchestras. Stay tuned for more details!

I hope you enjoyed the newsletter above, highlighting all that is made possible through your generosity. Thank you for being part of our philanthropic community!

As ever,

Simon Woods
President and CEO
League of American Orchestras