Facilitator(s): Lydia Connolly, Independent Consultant and Mentor; Former Senior Director and Head of Artist Management, HarrisonParrott; and Raff Wilson, Vice President, Artistic Planning, Seattle Symphony

Artist managers and artistic administrators face stress on many fronts: limited resources, the marginalization of classical music in schools and society, and constantly changing audience preferences. Crafting a concert season feels like trying to spin plates in the middle of a circus ring.

They also share goal of ensuring orchestral music thrives as a transformative force, reaching all of society. The best music-making depends on creative partnership—and those behind the scenes must be partners too. A mutual understanding of challenges and opportunities is essential for a sustainable, healthy orchestra industry. Flexibility, mutual respect, pragmatism, and teamwork are more important than ever.

In this session, artist managers and those involved in artistic planning will reflect together on the challenges they face, their shared commitments and goals, and their hopes for the future.