Top Executive 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. 

In 2025, white individuals continued to hold the vast majority of top executive positions (87.8%), despite some progress over the decade. The representation of people of color grew from 3.2% in 2015 to 12.2% in 2025, yet remained lower than in any other orchestra role and lagged behind the broader nonprofit sector.

This increase was primarily driven by growth in Asian and multiracial representation within larger-budget orchestras, while other racial and ethnic groups saw little progress. Black and Hispanic individuals remained the least represented among current top executives, and there is zero representation of Native Hawaiian or American Indian people in this role.

Women’s representation in top executive roles remained relatively unchanged between 2015 and 2025, and significant differences based on orchestra budget size were upheld.

In 2025, women held 28.6% of top executive positions in larger-budget orchestras, compared to 58.9% in small to mid-sized organizations.

By contrast, in 2021, women made up 75% of top executives in the broader nonprofit sector, highlighting a persistent gender gap in orchestra leadership.

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.