Top Executive Diversity

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information about how this data is analyzed, the value of the metric we present in measuring change, and the work underway by orchestras to improve diversity of representation. 

BIPOC representation at top executive level grew from 4% in 2014 to 8.7% in 2024. Nonetheless, in 2024 BIPOC representation still trailed behind every other orchestra position, and also behind the broader nonprofit sector.

The increase was largely driven by increased Asian and Multiracial representation within larger budget orchestra: other racial/ethnic groups saw little progress. Notably, the percentages of Black and Hispanic top executives remained lower than in any other orchestra role.

Women’s representation in top executive roles remained relatively static between 2014 and 2024. Women’s representation was highest in smaller to medium budget orchestras: in 2024, 28.8% of larger budget top executives were women, compared to 58.2% in smaller-to-medium budget orchestras. As a point of comparison, in 2021 75% of top executives in the broader non-profit sector were women.

Visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for more information about how this data is analyzed, the value of the metric we present in measuring change, and the work underway by orchestras to improve diversity of representation.