The League of American Orchestras’ 2017 National Conference, “Detroit Rising/Transformation in American Orchestras,” focused on topics of urgent concern to the field, among them the role of orchestras in today’s changing policy landscape, diversity and inclusion, and innovative practices. Hosted by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, the Conference, June 6-8, also explored how Detroit’s creative community helped spur the city’s rejuvenation, with insights from civic, business, and cultural voices. Nearly 1,000 orchestra stakeholders from across the country—managers, musicians, staff, trustees, and volunteers—attended the Conference, which marked the launch of the League’s 75th anniversary. Detroit Symphony Orchestra Music Director Leonard Slatkin wished the League a happy 75th birthday during a special concert by the DSO, and a League Giving Day on June 7 to support the League’s advocacy work brought in $102,718, surpassing the $75,000 goal.
The Conference opened on June 6 with Detroit Rising: Stories of Renewal, a panel discussion of how economics, race, immigration, arts and culture, and transportation converged to bring about the city’s recent renewal. At the session, Ann Hobson Pilot, former principal harp of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, received the League’s highest honor, the Gold Baton. Pilot shared her musical artistry in a performance with musicians from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Gateways Music Festival, and Sphinx Virtuosi.
Sessions throughout the Conference explored how orchestras and the League are working to advance diversity, equality, and inclusion in our field. At Classical Musicians of African Descent: Perspectives, Aspirations, and Outlook, speakers included Ann Hobson Pilot and musicians from the Gateways Music Festival, Houston Symphony Orchestra, Oakland Symphony, and Phoenix Symphony. At the Diversity and Inclusion in Action session, representatives from orchestras nationwide presented their most promising initiatives to connect with their communities. Working toward greater cultural equity in our organizations has become an imperative for orchestras, and the Cultural Equity session provided insight into how orchestras are navigating demographic, philanthropic, and political trends. No Sound Barriers: Sphinx at 20 provided an overview of the Sphinx Organization’s efforts to transform lives through diversity in the arts.
The new roles of musicians were explored in several sessions. At Changing Orchestra Culture: A Conversation with DSO Musicians, Detroit Symphony Orchestra players discussed how their relationships with management have evolved and shared their aspirations for the future. Orchestras are increasingly building and sustaining partnerships with other organizations, and Activating and Nurturing Community Alliances featured insights about community partnerships from musicians, composers, and administrators, with speakers including teams from Music Alive residency partners, New Music USA, and recipients of the League’s 2017 Ford Musician Awards for Excellence in Community Service. The musicians and orchestras receiving the Ford Musician Awards at the Conference were Mark Dix, viola, Phoenix Symphony; Michael Gordon, principal flute, Kansas City Symphony, Diane McElfish Helle, violin, Grand Rapids Symphony; Eunsoon Lee-Corliss, assistant principal viola, Knoxville Symphony Orchestra; and Peter Zlotnick, education manager/principal timpani, Greensboro Symphony Orchestra.
Additional sessions focused on advocacy, digital marketing, fundraising, pops programming, and financial sustainability, with dedicated tracks for volunteers and board members. Conference delegates enjoyed a variety of events, including a concert by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and Leonard Slatkin featuring works by Mohammed Fairouz, Kurt Weill, Sarah Kirkland Snider, Jonathan Bailey Holland, and Mason Bates. The concert also featured a performance by the Detroit Symphony Youth Orchestra.
For complete information on the 2017 Conference, plus videos and presentations, visit https://americanorchestras.org/conference-2017-highlights/.
