-
July 1, 2022
Where Do We Stand?
Conductors of Western classical orchestras have almost all been White men. Few American orchestras put a Black music director on the podium, and many Black musical artists had to head to Europe to build careers. That’s changing—but are things moving far enough, fast enough?
-
June 16, 2021
Conference 2021 Reflections: Blake-Anthony Johnson
The in-depth conversations at Conference 2021 were guided by our five emcees, each focusing on critical question that framed the day's sessions. Blake-Anthony Johnson, CEO of Chicago Sinfonietta, lead the theme Showing Up for Racial Equity.
-
January 29, 2021
Recruiting and Sustaining a Diverse Staff: Increasing Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion with Orchestra Staff and Boards
Organizations are most effective when their work is governed and delivered by people who represent the diversity of the communities they serve. The following resources are designed to support orchestras’ efforts to attract and retain diverse orchestra boards and staff.
-
August 15, 2017
Of and For the Community
Orchestras’ ambitions to engage with communities, in ways that create new and distinctive opportunities for creative expression and connection, are growing.
-
June 12, 2020
Conference 2020: Finale with Valerie Coleman
Iconic flutist and composer Valerie Coleman shared inspiration and innovation for hope, harmony, and unity as we engage our communities. Through the lens of her own journey with music, she reflected on how artists address our shared humanity and the relationship of the arts to where we are today as a society. We also awarded the Gold Baton, the League's highest honor.
-
June 10, 2021
Conference 2021: Creating Pathways for Meaningful Action in the Face of Racial Injustice
In the face of persistent racism and violence stemming from rampant anti-Asian and anti-Blackness, it can be easy to lose our way in creating pathways for meaningful action and community accountability. For those of us who have been engaged in this work for a long time and for those of us who are just beginning, the idea of falling short of our vision for a more just and inclusive field can be immobilizing. Without processes for tangible forward movement, it can be easy to become discouraged.
-
April 28, 2021
Native Sounds
Music by composers from Navajo, Cherokee, Chickasaw, and many other tribes is increasingly being performed and commissioned by orchestras as they seek to broaden the range of music they perform. While these artists are working in a classical European tradition, they embrace their cultural heritage and see music as a way to express Indigenous worldviews.
-
December 15, 2022
We Are What We Play, Part 2: How to Diversify Orchestra Programming
A 60-minute webinar exploring the approaches developed by orchestras who are leading the way in programming new and unfamiliar works.
-
January 18, 2024
Stories of Progress in Audience Engagement
Webinar recording; registration required.
-
September 16, 2021
The Catalyst Fund Incubator Application Guidelines
Further information on The Catalyst Fund Incubator