Flow

Everyone at the League of American Orchestras is excited to bring the National Conference back to the East Coast—and specifically Baltimore—this June for the first time in a decade. At our 2016 Conference, with its dedicated focus on diversity and inclusion, U.S. Congressman Elijah E. Cummings implored delegates to put “a spotlight on incorporating all of us in what you do and making sure that all folks—everybody—has an opportunity to be a part. You may not think what you’re doing is significant, but it is significant.” We look forward to welcoming you to explore the bold actions and new directions that orchestras are taking today.

Here’s a look at just some of what’s in store at the League’s 2026 National Conference.

Inspiring Music and Speakers

“We can’t wait to welcome our colleagues to Baltimore and invite them to crack open the city the way we know and love it, a place full of character, creativity, and musical energy,” says Mark Hanson, President and CEO of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. “We’re excited to show how the BSO connects with its community and how Baltimore’s spirit shapes what we do. We hope visitors leave with a deeper sense of this city and a broader vision for how orchestras can be both artistic leaders and civic partners.”

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s concert will be Tuesday evening, June 2, at 7:30 p.m. at Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. In the “Aspects of America” program, Music Director Jonathon Heyward curates works with a distinctive American voice, reflecting on America at 250 with a tribute to the American Songbook from jazz singer Cécile McLorin Salvant and the world premiere of a commission by Billy Childs for flute and clarinet, performed by Demarre and Anthony McGill, virtuoso musicians who are also brothers (Demarre McGill is principal flute at the Seattle Symphony and Anthony McGill is principal clarinet at the New York Philharmonic).

The Conference will also bring two orchestras making their debuts at the Meyerhoff. On Sunday, May 31, at 7:30 p.m., the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra presents “The Best of Baltimore!” Led by Music Director Robert Moody, the concert highlights Baltimore composers Karina Ingram’s Animals of the Solstice: Calm of the Equinox and Frank Zappa’s G-Spot Tornado, as well as Mason Bates’s Cello Concerto and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7. On Monday, June 1, at 8:00 p.m., the Annapolis Symphony Academy’s Orion Youth Orchestra conducted by Claire Lewis plays Nancy Galbraith’s Midnight Stirring, performing side by side with their ASO musician-mentors—a powerful symbol of music’s ability to inspire across generations. On the same program, Annapolis Symphony Orchestra Artistic Director José-Luis Novo conducts the Annapolis Symphony in Reynaldo Moya’s Polo Romanesco and Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 5.

Live music-making is a focal point with three evening orchestra concerts.

The Conference’s opening general session, on the afternoon of June 1, features music by three of the Baltimore Symphony’s youth ensembles and a keynote address by one of today’s foremost thinkers in the arts. The Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra, led by Principal Conductor Christopher Cicconi, will perform Jonathan Leshnoff’s Rush; OrchKids Symphonic Wind Ensemble, conducted by Jonathan Villegas, will perform Katahj Copley’s Riptides, and OrchKids Brass Band, led by Jared Perry, will perform Fire, a traditional New Orleans brass band tune infused and expanded with original student compositions.

The opening keynote address will be given by arts and culture leader Deborah Rutter. Currently Duke University’s Vice Provost for the Arts, Rutter believes more than ever that arts organizations—and orchestras everywhere—must connect with the hearts and minds of all community stakeholders. Rutter was formerly president of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, executive director of the Seattle Symphony and Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra, and orchestra manager of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. She will address strategies and approaches that create innovative and genre-expansive programming, expand audiences, sustain support, and lead to meaningful and transformational change.

This year’s Conference will feature not one but two presentations of the Gold Baton award, the League’s highest honor. At the opening session, the Gold Baton will be given to the Sphinx Organization. Since 1997, the Sphinx Organization has been dedicated to transforming lives through the power of the arts. Through education and access, artist development, performing artists, and arts leadership, Sphinx develops and supports representation and excellence in classical music at every level: creative youth development, artist empowerment, career advancement, administrative leadership, and service to the field.

During the closing lunch on Wednesday, June 3, following the League’s annual meeting of its members, the League will present a second Gold Baton award, this one to David Hyslop for nearly seven decades in leadership roles throughout the orchestra field, including his unprecedented service as interim CEO at 14 orchestras of all sizes around the country. Hyslop was CEO of the Minnesota Orchestra (1991-2003), St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (1978-1991), and Oregon Symphony (1972-1978), and has advised and consulted many more.

The conclusion of the Conference will feature a sneak peek of “The Declaration Project,” with performances and conversation with pianist and NPR host Lara Downes and jazz musician and composer Arturo O’Farrill. This groundbreaking project for piano and orchestra weaves together music and personal narrative in a contemporary declaration of our collective hopes, struggles, and untold histories and will premiere in New York with the American Composers Orchestra in July 2026.

Pre-Conference Seminars and Conference Sessions

Open to everyone for an extra fee, Pre-Conference Seminars on Sunday afternoon, May 31 will engage participants in three-hour explorations of two vital topics:

• “Build Your Fundraising Year to Drive Cash Flow and Donor Growth” will be led by Catherine Heitz New, Chief Executive Officer of RSC Associates, focused on how to strategically sequence your fundraising calendar to target the right prospect pools with the right tactics.
• “Leading Culture for Adaptability, Agility, and Innovation” will feature Julian Chender, Founder and Managing Consultant, and Jessica Phillips, Principal, Arts and Culture, of the 11A Collaborative consulting firm discussing the many ways workplace culture expectations have shifted over the past five years and proven techniques for leading culture with deliberate and impactful action.

And on Monday morning, June 1, a third Pre-Conference Seminar takes place:

• “Raising the Bar on Board Engagement” with nonprofit governance consultant Marla Bobowick will help board members and executives explore governance principles and best practices.

Pre-Conference Seminars will engage participants in concentrated, interactive explorations of vital topics.

Back for a fourth straight year by popular demand, the Tech Fair provides a free opportunity to hear from technology vendors on Monday morning, June 1. This half-day event will showcase tech offerings in areas such as marketing, data management and CRM, ticketing, online program notes, audience engagement apps, in-hall concert technologies, and more. Delegates will have the opportunity to get to know the companies behind these products, learn how peers are innovating with technology, and pick up tips and tricks for creative ways to take better advantage of existing tools.

Sessions at this year’s Conference will explore key focus areas identified through the League’s 2025 member-engagement survey:

• Audience growth and diversification

• Engaging with and responding to local communities

• Development and fundraising

• Leadership and strategy

• Financial sustainability

• Education programs and youth engagement

• Advocacy, communicating value, and influencing policy

Experts from inside and outside the orchestra field will lead conversations and participate in panels, providing insights on advocacy, AI policy, audience development, challenging conversations, charitable giving, cyber security, diversifying revenue, economic resilience, financial risks, music and health, partnerships, transformational gifts, and more.

New Forum for Orchestra Board Members

We are excited to unveil a major new convening for orchestra board members—the Orchestra Board Member Forum—featuring content on strategic fundraising, healthy leadership, and board engagement, along with exciting performances and networking events. Guest speakers include conductor Robert Moody, Music Director of the Memphis Symphony and Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, and Ann Meier Baker, retired Director of Music and Opera at the National Endowment for the Arts. During this year’s Conference, members of the League’s Board of Directors will serve as Conference buddies, guiding orchestra board members to the most compelling sessions and facilitating peer introductions. The League will also launch the new edition of its Effective Orchestra Governance guide, an invaluable, time-tested resource free for League members.

Sessions at this year’s Conference will examine key strategic action areas for orchestras.

Networking and Learning

One of the most valued parts of the Conference, small-group Constituency Meetings will gather delegates by peer group positions to focus on their most pressing concerns. Whether you are connected to the orchestra field as an executive director, board member, staff member, conductor, musician, or student, there will be agendas designed specifically for you, as well as special networking events, including a gathering of orchestra leaders, administrators, and musicians of African, Latinx, Asian, Arab/Middle Eastern, or Native American descent (ALAANA).

There will also be a new Artistic Administrators and Artist Managers Forum to explore what it actually looks like to build a season from the inside and what artist managers wish orchestras understood—and vice versa.

Now in its 50th year, the League’s Youth Orchestra Division (YOD) will continue celebrating its anniversary in Baltimore, where the YOD and the Education and Community Engagement Constituency will collaborate on a special pre-Conference half-day meeting on Sunday, May 31.

For the fifth year, LGBTQIA+ attendees will gather for a networking reception on Monday evening, June 1, featuring conductor Robert Moody, Music Director of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Arizona Musicfest, and Baltimore Chamber Orchestra.

The League’s Volunteer Council is planning inspiring sessions and networking opportunities for orchestra volunteers from across the country. Attendees will hear directly from 2025 Gold Award of Excellence project presenters in candid, engaging conversations and take part in sessions focused on innovative marketing strategies and effective community outreach. Orchestra volunteers can also attend several dedicated constituency dinners, which offer even more opportunities to connect, share ideas, and build lasting relationships.

As always, the Exhibit Hall will serve as the central gathering point for networking breaks and receptions: a place to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and visit with Conference exhibitors and sponsors.

Come be charmed by Baltimore, inspired by this year’s strong content, and energized by time together with the great people of the orchestra field!