The Score | Meet Cincinnati’s New Diversity Fellows

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music have selected five string musicians for the inaugural class of CSO/CCM Diversity Fellows. They are violist Emilio Carlo, 21; cellist Diana Flores, 26; cellist Blake-Anthony Johnson, 25; violinist Vijeta Sathyaraj, 27; and bassist Maurice Todd, 37. The fellowship program, supported by a $900,000 grant from The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, aims to increase diversity in the ranks of American orchestras. “Our fellows represent the future of American orchestras,” said CCM Dean Peter Landgren. Trey Devey, president of the CSO, said the program will “provide a truly transformative experience for these exceptional performers at a crucial time in their careers.” The fellows will receive full tuition support from CCM, a graduate stipend of $10,000 per year, a Dean’s Excellence Award of $3,000, and compensation of $8,000 per season while performing with the CSO. Each fellow will perform the equivalent of five weeks per season, with one week focused on community engagement and educational activities.