Conference 2026: Opening Session

Speaker(s): Aaron Dworkin, Founder, Sphinx Organization; Afa Dworkin, President and Artistic Director, Sphinx Organization; Mark Hanson, President and CEO, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; Jonathon Heyward, Music Director, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra; Deborah Rutter, Vice Provost for the Arts, Duke University; and Simon Woods, President and CEO, League of American Orchestras

The opening keynote address of Conference was given by arts and culture leader Deborah Rutter. Currently Duke University’s Vice Provost for the Arts, Rutter believes more than ever that arts organizations—and orchestras everywhere—must connect with the hearts and minds of community stakeholders. She addressed strategies and approaches that create innovative and genre-expansive programming, develop broader audiences, sustain support, and lead to meaningful and transformational change.

Another highlight of the opening was the presentation of the League’s Gold Baton award to the Sphinx Organization. The Sphinx Organization is dedicated to transforming lives through the power of the arts. Through Education & Access, Artist Development, Performing Artists, and Arts Leadership, it develops and supports representation and excellence in classical music at every level: creative youth development, artist empowerment, career advancement, administrative leadership, and service to the field.

The opening also featured three performances by young musicians. The Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra led by Principal Conductor Christopher Cicconi performed Jonathan Leshnoff’s Rush, OrchKids Symphonic Wind Ensemble conducted by Jonathan Villegas will perform Katahj Copley’s Riptides, and OrchKids Brass Band led by Jared Perry performed Fire, a traditional New Orleans Brass Band Tune infused and expanded with original student compositions.

The Opening Session has been generously co-sponsored by Akustiks, HGA Architects & Engineers, and Schuler Shook.

Additional support provided by a generous grant from The Aaron Copland Fund for Music.

Photo Credit: Amy Raab Photography