Diversifying the Symphony
I’d like to re-visit the idea of diversifying the repertoire in order to attract certain groups. I think the sophistication of the ethnic (or age!) groups is far beyond the basic idea, however, would it not be fair to say that if one, as a hypothetical representative from the Hispanic community, never hears any music by a Hispanic composer programmed by the local symphony, this will eventually lead to alienation (intentional or otherwise)? One of the things orchestras fail to do, is attempt to reflect the community, the society in which they reside and which they represent and serve. Our urban centers are majority minority, or will become such very shortly. The music we program is still (according to the latest data from ASOL) 100%, statistically speaking, devoid of diversity (the data is depressing: Black and Hispanic composers occupy a statistical zero in the top 20 orchestras programs). This is, naturally, an issue larger than orchestras and is more industry-wide. However, if, as a minority, one never sees themselves on stage, hears themselves from the audiences, communicates with anyone who resembles them from orchestra administration, how might we go about that idea of having orchestras become part of their communities?
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