“Citing larger national events, the Philadelphia Orchestra has postponed its online gala originally slated for Saturday night with Steve Martin, Wynton Marsalis, and others,” writes Peter Dobrin in Thursday’s (6/4) Philadelphia Inquirer. “Instead, the orchestra has constructed an online event of conversation and contemplation about racial injustice. The June 6 gala has been moved to June 20 with its original guests…. ‘We’re in the middle of a national tragedy on so many levels. It just doesn’t feel right to do a joyful celebratory event on Saturday night,’ said orchestra president and CEO Matías Tarnopolsky…. Marsalis will still be on hand this Saturday night, but in conversation with composer Valerie Coleman, whose Seven O’Clock Shout … will still receive its world premiere…. Tarnopolsky said, … ‘We need to be listening more acutely now and much more purposefully to chart a path to equity throughout our community.’ Saturday night’s online event will be dedicated to George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, Breonna Taylor, ‘and the countless Black Lives wrongfully and tragically lost before them, and to the value and dignity of all Black Lives,’ the orchestra said…. The orchestra’s HearTOGETHER live stream, Saturday at 7 p.m., will be available at philorch.org and on the orchestra’s Facebook page.”
Composer and flutist Valerie Coleman will deliver the keynote address and perform one of her works at the Closing Session of the League of American Orchestra’s online National Conference on Friday, June 12.