Classical music holds a place in the hearts of Americans of all races, according to recent research by Slover Linett at NORC. Yet orchestra audiences remain overwhelmingly white. As the U.S. population continues to diversify, the relevance, vitality, and sustainability of orchestras will depend on the ability to connect with classical music lovers of all cultures, communities, and ages. It is time for us to tune into what people of color are saying as classical music listeners, and to discuss how orchestras can evolve to engage a wider public.
In “Taking Another Listen: Engaging New Audience Members of Color,” a webinar on Tuesday, September 24, two researchers from Slover Linett at NORC, Tanya Treptow and Michelle Ernst, will share key findings from their recent in-depth study identifying actions the classical music sector can take to engage potential new audience members of color. Then three leaders and changemakers—Mieko Hatano, Jennifer Arnold, and Emilio Alvarez—will reflect on the findings and have a candid conversation about how to create a more inclusive experience for orchestra audiences.
Speakers: Emilio Alvarez, cellist, composer, broadcaster, advocate, and music director, WRR-FM, Dallas; Jennifer Arnold, violist, arts administrator, DEIB advocate; Michelle Ernst, senior research scientist, Slover Linett at NORC; Mieko Hatano, executive director, Oakland Symphony, Oakland Symphony Youth Orchestra, Oakland Symphony Chorus; and Tanya Treptow, senior research scientist, Slover Linett at NORC.
“Taking Another Listen: Engaging New Audience Members of Color” happens on Tuesday, September 24 at 2:00 p.m. Eastern/11:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Learn more and register here. If you can’t attend the webinar live, register to receive the recording. Questions? Contact League Member Services at member@americanorchestras.org.
