We Are What We Play, Part 2: How to Diversify Orchestra Programming

Originally recorded December 14, 2022

“Diverse voices mean beautiful work, a vibrant future, and more connection to today’s America.”
Melissa Ngan, President and CEO, American Composers Orchestra

“What better way for orchestras to break down barriers and to become trend-leading?”
Mei-Ann Chen, Music Director, Chicago Sinfonietta

The future of orchestras depends on the continued evolution of orchestral music as a vibrant art form, relevant to the times we live in and meaningful to the diverse audiences and communities we serve.

Building on the Conference 2022 session We Are What We Play: Orchestral Repertoire in 2022 and Beyond, this 60-minute webinar explores the approaches developed by orchestras who are leading the way in programming new and unfamiliar works. Learn about their experiences of building programming, relationships, and partnerships; of learning to engage audiences in the stories surrounding the works; and of overcoming obstacles both within and beyond their own organizations.

Facilitator: Kerrien Suarez, Director, Equity in the Center (EiC)

Speakers: Patrick Castillo, Vice President, Artistic Planning, New York Philharmonic; Mei-Ann Chen, ROCO Artistic Partner and Music Director, Chicago Sinfonietta; Jon Lewis, Executive Director, Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra (Minneapolis); Anwar Nasir, Executive Director, Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra; Melissa Ngan, President and CEO, American Composers Orchestra; and Theodore Wiprud, composer and consultant

Questions?

Please contact Member Services at member@americanorchestras.org.

This webinar is made possible by generous grant from the Mellon Foundation.

This webinar is made possible by generous grants from American Express, the Baisley Powell Elebash Fund, the Howard Gilman Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts, as well as, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.