Tag: Equity Diversity and Inclusion

Registration Now Open for SphinxConnect 2026

Posted on December 2, 2025 by - News Briefs

From January 22 to 24, the Sphinx Organization in Detroit will present “SphinxConnect 2026: Discover,” which brings together musicians, arts administrators, funders, students, advocates, and exhibitors for the largest and longest-standing convening dedicated to excellence and inclusion in classical music. The gathering features more than 30 sessions and discussions led by over 90 thought leaders, researchers, composers, and industry experts. The opening plenary session features the Imani Winds chamber ensemble and Titus Underwood, principal oboe at the Nashville Symphony, and the closing plenary features composer Tania León and Sphinx founder Aaron Dworkin. To reduce barriers to access, SphinxConnect 2026 offers in-person and virtual registration; the in-person conference takes place at the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Center. All sessions are streamed and recorded unless noted otherwise in the schedule. Learn more and register at https://registration.socio.events/e/sphinxconnect2026.

Élider DiPaula Joins Project STEP, String Instrument Program for Underrepresented Youth, as Executive Director

Posted on December 2, 2025 by - Who's In

Project STEP, the Boston-based nonprofit dedicated to advancing equity in classical music by providing comprehensive string education to underrepresented youth, has selected Élider DiPaula as executive director. DiPaula is a Brazilian-born arts leader, educator, composer, and pianist whose work centers on equity and excellence in classical music. At Project STEP, DiPaula will continue his and Project STEP’s shared mission to elevate underrepresented young musicians and advocate for their development. DiPaula joins Project STEP from Project 88 Music Academy, where he served as executive and artistic director after founding it in 2018 to provide free, high-quality music education to students—primarily Black, Latine, and immigrant youth—in Chicago’s western suburbs. The academy presented 88 concerts, and its students earned state and international honors, including the Gold Medal at the 2025 Sandakan International Piano Competition. Winner of a national piano competition at age seven, he later performed with the Youth Symphony Orchestra of Goiás, received a commission from Goiânia Música Hoje, and directed Stravinsky’s The Soldier’s Tale. DiPaula trained in Brazil and the U.S., holding degrees from the Universidade Federal de Goiás, James Madison University, and the Chicago College of Performing Arts at Roosevelt University.

Arts Groups Declining NEA Grants in Light of Rules Restricting D.E.I. Initiatives

Posted on November 21, 2025 by - News Briefs

In Thursday’s (11/20) New York Times, Michaela Towfighi writes that “tensions around public funding for the arts [are emerging] after executive orders by President Trump restricted the use of federal grant money for projects that promote diversity, equity and inclusion.… Amid concerns over funding after the National Endowment of the Arts canceled a large percentage of its awards in May, organizations across the country have decided they would rather find money elsewhere than be subject to federal restrictions. The Denver Philharmonic Orchestra declined an $8,000 grant, citing concerns about diluting its D.E.I. work. The Portland Opera in Oregon said it would not apply for future federal grants if current restrictions remain in place. And in Troy, N.Y., the Arts Center of the Capital Region rejected a $50,000 grant because of what it called fears of censorship. Since August, more than 875 people and 270 organizations have signed a statement released by the National Coalition Against Censorship and the Vera List Center for Art and Politics that emphasized a need for art independence…. Michelle LaFlamme-Childs, the executive director of New Mexico’s arts council, said eight of about 220 applicants had declined funding this year, the first time she had seen groups do so.”

Boston Symphony Orchestra Celebrates American Diversity with Orquesta Sinfónico de Puerto Rico, Tania León World Premiere, and More

Posted on November 19, 2025 by - News Briefs

In Wednesday’s (11/18) ArtsFuse.org, Steve Ellman writes, “The Boston Symphony is celebrating American diversity this season … [with] what the orchestra is calling ‘E Pluribus Unum: From Many, One’—a survey of the many voices that comprise American Music…. The first-ever concert in Boston by the Orquesta Sinfónico de Puerto Rico, on Friday November 14 …  brought out … people of Puerto Rican ancestry and people who love its culture, along with … BSO regulars … The program, selected and conducted by the Orquesta’s music director Maximiliano Valdés, carefully combined elements of Puerto Rican vintage and contemporary classical music … and a sort of Puerto Rican Pops program.” Composers included Jack Délano, Alfonso Fuentes, Luis Quintana, Ernesto Cordero, Roberto Sierra, and Angelica Negrón. “This concert was just one of four multicultural programs offered from November 13 to November 15. The BSO itself honored two Latin composers—Havana-born Tania León and Vega Baja (Puerto Rico)-born Roberto Sierra—with generous performances of their works in three subscription concerts led by Finnish conductor Dima Slobodeniouk … Tania León’s ‘Time to Time,’ co-commissioned by the BSO and the Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, had its world premiere in these concerts.” The BSO also performed Sierra’s Concerto for Saxophones with soloist James Carter, for whom it was written.

Obituary: Orchestra Executive Mary A. Deissler, 69

Posted on November 13, 2025 by - News Briefs

An obituary at Folsom Funeral Service (Massachusetts), states, “Mary Deissler, age 69, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 3, 2025, after a long and hard-fought battle with brain cancer. Born on December 30,1955, in Oneonta, New York, to George and Carol Baker, Mary was the eldest of her siblings … She married James Deissler in 1987, and they raised their children, Benjamin and Eliza, in Boston, Massachusetts. A lifelong believer in the power of the arts to build community and inspire connection, Mary devoted 40+ years of leadership and raised $300M+ in the nonprofit and performing arts sectors…. As CEO of Boston’s Handel + Haydn Society … she worked for nearly 25 years. Under her leadership, the organization achieved financial stability, artistic excellence, innovation and community outreach.… Mary also served as President and CEO of the Charlotte Symphony from 2016 to 2019, where she eliminated a $1.9M debt, achieved record surpluses, and expanded the orchestra’s community partnerships, educational outreach, and equity initiatives… Earlier roles included leadership and development positions with Save the Children in London, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Artis–Naples, and the Chicago Academy for the Arts. Most recently, she served as Co-Executive Director of the Boston Landmarks Orchestra … She was an active participant, board member and trustee to … organizations such as the League of American Orchestras, Chorus America, Early Music America, Chanticleer, [and] Handel House Museum.”

Saxophonist Steven Banks Brings Billy Childs’ “Diaspora” to Quad City Symphony—and Public Schools

Posted on November 10, 2025 by - News Briefs

In Saturday’s (11/8) Quad City Times (Iowa), Nina Baker writes, “As world-renowned saxophonist Steven Banks has performed the concerto ‘Diaspora,’ he’s seen few of the people the concerto was for in the audiences. The concerto, written by Grammy-winning Black composer Billy Childs, chronicles the forced Black American diaspora, stretching from Africa, before the transatlantic slave trade, to modern day. Friday morning, Banks gave a talk for Rock Island High School music students and students from Davenport Central High School’s Cultural Diversity Club. The visit was part of Banks’ new ‘Come As You Are’ initiative, a community engagement effort to make classical concerts more inclusive and accessible, and to ensure Black and other marginalized communities feel welcomed in the concert hall…. Banks is performing in schools, churches and other community centers as he tours the world performing Childs’ concerto. In addition to the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, Childs has partnered with Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, Oregon Symphony, Schubert Club, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and Deutsches Symphonic-Orchester Berlin. Banks’ visit to Rock Island High School was the second iteration of the initiative; the first with the Rhode Island Philharmonic Orchestra in September…. In February 2023, Banks premiered ‘Diaspora’ with the Kansas City Symphony…. This weekend will be the Quad City Symphony Orchestra’s local premiere of ‘Diaspora.’ ”

League Webinar: “Discover the Power of Inclusion in Orchestra Culture”

Posted on October 31, 2025 by - News Briefs

Behind every inspiring performance is a strong and motivated team. An orchestra’s staff and musician culture can be the cornerstone of its success—shaping a welcoming audience experience, creating dynamic onstage energy, and ensuring everyone can contribute their talents to furthering the symphony’s work. The League’s next free member webinar, “Discover the Power of Inclusion in Orchestra Culture,” will draw from the League’s new Catalyst Guide: The Power of Inclusion to explore how orchestras across the country are intentionally building and strengthening their team cultures, and the powerful ripple effects this work has had across their entire organizations.

Speakers: Maribeth Baker, Human Resources Counselor, Charlotte Symphony; Kevin Brown, Principal Bass, Van Dusen Family Chair, Detroit Symphony Orchestra; Christina Littlejohn, CEO, Arkansas Symphony; Pratichi Shah, HR Strategist and Founder, Flourish Talent Management Solutions; and Dr. Karen Yair, Vice President of Research and Resources, League of American Orchestras.

“Discover the Power of Inclusion in Orchestra Culture” takes place on Thursday, November 6, at 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time/Noon Pacific Time. This webinar is free for League members and available to non-members for a fee. If you can’t attend the webinar live, register to receive the recording. Questions? Please contact League Member Services at member@americanorchestras.org. Learn more and register for “Discover the Power of Inclusion in Orchestra Culture.”

South Dakota Symphony and Native Musical Artists Tour the State with Lakota Music Project

Posted on October 30, 2025 by - News Briefs

In last Wednesday’s (10/22) Argus Leader (Sioux Falls, South Dakota), Angela George writes, “Emmanuel Black Bear is the drum keeper at the powwow, and Delta David Gier is the conductor at the concert hall. For decades, both have had a similar calling: to share their music, to guide an ensemble and to make tangible the tradition of a song. But their audience was never the same audience, and their songs were kept apart. Twenty years ago, [South Dakota Symphony Orchestra Music Director] Gier saw this division as a result of ‘racial disparities.’ Black Bear said it came from ‘ignorance’ in understanding different ways of life…. They erased the line …  and drew instead a circle big enough for reconciliation among cultures. … The Lakota Music Project, a group of Native American and non-Native musicians, has now performed for over 10,000 people nationwide and just completed their largest tour yet across the state…. Nine members of the South Dakota Symphony Orchestra (SDSO), six members of the Creekside Singers drum group and two Lakota dancers toured the state, beginning on Native American Day at Crazy Horse Memorial and including stops to perform for students in Pine Ridge, Chamberlain and Wagner…. ‘We have developed a brotherhood, a sisterhood from this program,’ says SDSO concertmaster Doosook Kim.”

Remembering: Polly Kahn

Posted on October 24, 2025 by - News Briefs

On October 14, Polly Kahn, a dynamic and influential figure in the orchestra field, passed away after a brief illness. She was 77 years old.

Polly Kahn was the Vice President for Learning and Leadership Development at the League of American Orchestras for 14 years, stepping down in 2014. Her impact and contributions to orchestras were widespread, prescient, and enduring. She was a tireless champion of orchestras and the music they play, with an ardent commitment to developing the next generation of musicians; connecting with communities in authentic, ongoing ways; encouraging the creation and performance of new music, and welcoming more diverse musicians, composers, staff and board members, and audiences to orchestras.

The League of American Orchestras sends its profound condolences to her daughter Sara Newland, son-in-law Devin, and grandchildren Milo and Hazel.

At the League, Kahn oversaw artistic, learning, and leadership development programs and services. Her portfolio included the Orchestra Leadership Academy, Orchestra Management Fellowship, Executive Leadership, and Emerging Leaders Programs, the League’s annual National Conference, Getty and Bank of America Education and Community Investment Grants, Governance Grants, Bruno Walter National Conductor Previews, Music Alive new music program, constituent services, and programs for orchestra executives, board members, and conductors, as well as online learning and self-assessment tools for orchestras. She was also the primary liaison for education directors of the League’s member orchestras.

All that reads like an enormous job description—and it was—but Kahn embraced every aspect of her multifaceted work with enthusiasm, drive, discipline (Kahn was a meticulous organizer of detail), and a we’re-all-in-this-together spirit. The people who participated in the League’s professional development and other programs during Kahn’s tenure number in the hundreds; many have forged outstanding careers at orchestras, performing arts centers, and ensembles nationwide. Everyone who attended a League Conference soon realized that she knew virtually everyone in the orchestra field.

Prior to the League, Kahn was Director of Education for the New York Philharmonic, the Tisch Center for the Arts at the 92nd Street Y, assistant director of the Lincoln Center Institute, and founding administrator of the Avery Fisher Artist Program. After stepping down from the League, she founded PK Art Solutions/PK Orchestra Solutions, a consulting firm specializing in strategic planning, organizational assessment and program design, and executive coaching. The firm quickly drew clients including Lincoln Center Education, Carnegie Hall, the New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic, and Philadelphia Orchestra, along with orchestras and conservatories nationwide. She was also a self-described “passionate avocational cellist, playing chamber music primarily.”

Simon Woods, President and CEO of the League of American Orchestras, states:

“All of us who knew Polly—at the League and beyond—are devastated by her loss. I first met Polly back in 2001, when she hired me to teach one of the League’s artistic administration programs. She not only believed in me as a teacher, but she gave me thoughtful and graceful feedback to help me succeed. I later learned that this was typical. Polly cared deeply for the people who work in orchestras, and she invested tirelessly in nurturing the leaders of the future who could continue to help our field thrive. She set the tone for the League’s leadership development programs that continues to this day, and was a loyal friend to so many within our organization and beyond. We will miss her.”

When she stepped down from the League of American Orchestras in 2014, Symphony magazine published her “Making a Difference” article. The article was a wide-ranging overview of her perspectives, insights, suggestions—never prescriptions—for the orchestra field, with a vision of orchestras as richly diverse and inclusive, deeply connected to their communities, and playing at the highest level of artistry. The article shows a rare foresight: many of the philosophies and strategies that Kahn outlined a decade ago were unusual or even provocative at the time, but are now widely practiced. Kahn’s keen mind, always with the best interests of orchestras at heart, will be missed by the entire field.

Cleveland Women’s Orchestra Celebrates 90th Anniversary

Posted on October 24, 2025 by - News Briefs

In Thursday’s (10/23) Cleveland.com, Peter Chakerian writes, “The Cleveland Women’s Orchestra will take the stage Sunday at the Cleveland Museum of Art … to celebrate 90 years of music, community and perseverance. It’s a milestone few ensembles anywhere can claim. Founded in 1935, the CWO is believed to be the last surviving all-women’s orchestra of its kind in the country. It was born in an era when women weren’t typically given seats in professional orchestras, so they built their own … The group has performed more than 500 ‘Gift of Music’ outreach concerts over the decades, bringing live orchestral music to schools, hospitals, nursing homes and community centers … Under the direction of conductor Eric Benjamin … the [Sunday] program opens with Fanny Mendelssohn’s Overture in C … a composer who spent much of her life in her famous brother Felix’s shadow. Including her music feels deliberate—an echo of the orchestra’s own history of women claiming space and recognition.” Also on the program is Elgar’s “Sea Pictures.” “The program also includes the U.S. premiere of ‘The Coast” by contemporary composer Clara-Jane Maunder … The concert closes with Florence Price’s Symphony No. 1 … the first symphony by an African American woman ever performed by a major American orchestra.”