Speaker(s): Lara Downes, Pianist and NPR Host; David Hyslop, Arts Consultant; Alan Mason, Board Chair, League of American Orchestras; Arturo O’Farrill, Jazz Musician and Composer; Jennifer Teisinger, Executive Director, South Dakota Symphony Orchestra; and Simon Woods, President and CEO, League of American Orchestras

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During the Closing Luncheon on Wednesday, June 3, we’ll hold the League’s Annual Meeting and present the Gold Baton award to David Hyslop for nearly six decades in leadership roles throughout the orchestra field, including his unprecedented service as interim CEO at 14 orchestras around the country of all budget sizes. Hyslop was CEO of the Minnesota Orchestra (1991-2003), the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra (1978-1991), and the Oregon Symphony (1972-1978).

Conference concludes with an inspirational sneak peek of “The Declaration Project,” featuring pianist and NPR host Lara Downes and jazz musician and composer Arturo O’Farrill in performance and conversation. This groundbreaking project for piano and orchestra weaves together music and personal narrative in a contemporary declaration of our collective hopes, struggles, and untold histories, and will premiere in New York in July 2026.