Redefining the Canon

Redefining the Canon is an important initiative that will have lasting impact on the orchestra field. This national effort from nonprofit Boulanger Initiative aims to diversify orchestral audition excerpts by offering technically-comparable excerpts by historically underrepresented composers. It’s a great opportunity for orchestras  to access more inclusive and diverse repertoire while serving as leaders of the field.

How It Works

• Your orchestra selects volunteer musicians to serve as Excerpt Foragers during Phase One of this initiative, which goes through the 2022-23 season.
• These Excerpt Foragers examine scores and parts written by underrepresented composers, sourced by Boulanger Initiative (BI) from libraries, archives, special collections, and private family collections.
• The Excerpt Foragers identify excerpts that are comparable in techniques and skill set to those found in a standard canon audition excerpt.
• For unpublished manuscripts, BI will work with staff and partners to engrave and publish the scores, enabling a sustainable shift toward diversified programming.

Interested in learning more?

Read the FAQs on the Boulanger Initiative website. Questions? Please contact Boulanger Initiative at RTC@boulangerinitiative.org.