Doing More About Diversity in America's Orchestras

I have been reflecting on diversity and orchestras lately, prompted by some work we are doing at the League of American Orchestras and my recent participation in SphinxCon 2013 in Detroit, which examined diversity, inclusion and equity in the arts. Many of you are likely familiar with Aaron Dworkin, the gifted violinist, founder and executive director of the sponsoring non-profit Sphinx Organization. Aaron is one of the important voices in our field today and a colleague who serves as a board member of the League. In a concentrated and cut-to-the-chase fashion, the conference focused on a broad range of current issues, lessons learned, and best practices aimed at transforming the arts in a truly meaningful and measurable way.

At the League, we are determined to play a positive and meaningful role in creating a more diverse, more inclusive industry and environment for our art form. And I believe there is growing realization among orchestras that the diversity agenda is a central element of every strategic plan, and one that takes into account local and regional differences.

Orchestras have a lot of work to do -- and I'll get to that in a minute. But we should not lose perspective when it comes to noting their many accomplishments. For example, there was a time, not too long ago, when orchestra musicians were all men. Now 45 percent of musicians and 15 percent of conductors are women, according to League surveys of member orchestras. Orchestras in Atlanta, Boston, Dallas, Detroit, and Pittsburgh, among others, have made deep and longstanding investments in developing young African American and Latino musicians, and the Sphinx Organization has partnered with many more to develop supportive pathways to promising careers.