Music is a powerful source of engagement, emotion, and artistic expression. However, an artist’s performance or an orchestra’s concert program is also a form of speech (whether explicit or implicit) rooted in the history and context of today’s world. As a result, an orchestra’s charitable and artistic purposes may appear to be at odds with maintaining a neutral or objective position as a publicly-funded nonprofit and tax-exempt organization. How can orchestras continue to demonstrate why symphonic music matters, when they must also attempt to remain institutionally neutral as artistic enterprises? Or, should they? Drawing from their lived experiences in and around orchestras, session leaders will highlight successes, challenges, and the degree to which orchestras can embrace freedom of creative expression as a pathway for transformation, while also adhering to advocacy constraints, anti-discrimination laws and policies, and other internal and external forces.

Speaker(s): TBD

Why should building an inclusive organizational culture be a top priority for your orchestra? Inclusion and belonging are more than ideals—they are critical drivers of individual and organizational success. People who feel valued and respected are more engaged, more likely to reach their full potential, and tend to contribute their best in the workplace.

In this interactive session, you’ll explore practical strategies and real-world examples from orchestras of various budget sizes. Discover how these organizations foster respect, belonging, and unity; address stress and frustration; and strengthen relationships between leadership and musicians.

You’ll leave with actionable, data-driven insights to cultivate a supportive environment where every member of your organization feels valued, connected, and aligned with your mission. Learn how prioritizing inclusion and belonging can fulfill your orchestra’s potential as a thriving, impactful community.

Speaker(s): Daniel Crupi, Executive Director, Asheville Symphony; Joseph McKenna, President & CEO, Sarasota Orchestra; and Jan Newcomb, Executive Director, National Coalition for Arts' Preparedness & Emergency Response (NCAPER)

Orchestras, like any business or home, increasingly need to prepare for damage that can result from natural disasters or other threats that could occur. When it comes to natural disasters and public safety measures, the League and several other national arts organizations worked with Congress and federal agencies to ensure arts organizations have improved access to preparation resources and relief. Given all the scenarios that require more hands on deck to mitigate damage, assess threats, and forge ahead after a disruption happens, is your orchestra prepared?

Speaker(s): Renée Fleming, former Artistic Advisor at Large, John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts; Assal Habibi, Associate Professor of Psychology, University of Southern California; and Indre Viskontas, Associate Professor, University of San Francisco

Following her keynote at the Opening Session, Soprano Renée Fleming is joined by leading experts from the music and health field for a free-ranging conversation about the power of music to improve health and support brain development. We will hear insights from the cutting edge of research that can inform orchestras as they continue to expand their work in this life-changing area that deeply enhances their relationships with their communities.

Speaker(s): TBD

Institutional (grant and sponsor) funding often requires extensive research, cultivation, and discussions with funders, along with reporting and/or marketing requirements. Organizational alignment that supports meeting requirements such as research, cultivation, program delivery, and reporting, relies on development, program, finance, marketing, and executive offices working together.

This type of collaboration is often referred to as a "culture of philanthropy," in which all staff and departments understand how philanthropic funding supports their work. Within a culture of philanthropy, development staff leverage the subject matter expertise of program staff in support of funding proposals as well as the systems and workflows used by other departments to sustain philanthropic support, often uncovering inefficiencies in the organization.

This session will address how to create and sustain a culture of philanthropy, examine these best practices, and demonstrate the lifecycle of an institutional gift, highlighting case studies with lessons learned and commentary from panelists along the way.

All orchestras can take steps to limit climate impact, such as choosing energy efficient options, reducing waste, encouraging use of public transit, and bringing focus to environmental concerns through the music we present. Join us to discuss innovative solutions and how to build sustainability into our operations, from global efforts to protect endangered woods to changes in offices, performance venues, and touring practices.

Speaker(s): Jessica Phillips, Musician and Educator, Metropolitan Opera, Manhattan School of Music and The Juilliard School

Using design thinking strategies and generative dialogic methods for agile culture change, this workshop will engage motivated stakeholders to explore and ideate new pathways for change. Together, we will build connections both internally and externally and conceptualize what a modern and unified culture for orchestra could be to our community and audiences. Attendees will:

• Learn how to encourage and reward a culture of informed risk and normalize change in our business

• Learn and experience design thinking techniques to spark innovation

• Learn and engage in generative dialogue to better engage multiple constituencies and stakeholders to enhance organizational agility

• Learn how to catalyze change in your organization by fostering a “performance-enhancing” culture

• Build multi-stakeholder networks (communities of practice) to resource share

Speaker(s): TBD

All orchestras are challenged to raise awareness of orchestral music, expand their reach, attract new audiences, and diversify the revenue streams that make the music possible. Regardless of your orchestra’s staff and budget size, learn how your orchestra can communicate and measure its relevance and address real time community needs and priorities. This session will extract key strategies from recent successful case studies on how to create a convincing and authentic narrative that generates new support and engagement.

Speaker(s): Elizabeth Brown-Ellis, Executive Director, Lima Symphony; Sean Claire, Violinist and Concertmaster, Knoxville Symphony Orchestra and Symphony of the Mountains; Ben Kipp, Vice President of Education and Community Engagement, Utah Symphony | Utah Opera; Dr. Mark Rappaport, CEO and William H and Edna D Stimson Presidential Endowed Chair; Professor and Chair Department of Psychiatry, Huntsman Mental Health Institute and University of Utah School of Medicine; Theodore Wiprud, Composer and Consultant

With a growing understanding of music’s profound influence on wellbeing, orchestras are finding meaningful roles in addressing community health needs. From live music in healthcare settings and performances for neurodivergent audiences to mental health support and wellness events, orchestras are stepping into new territory, even partnering in medical research. This session will provide the practical insights your orchestra needs to take its first steps or deepen its role in community health and wellness. Learning from the experiences of innovative, well-established programs across budget groups, attendees will gain both inspiration and actionable guidance. Join us to explore how orchestras are building the partnerships they need to listen and respond to community needs, and—in the process—to expand their impact.