Fostering collaboration toward racial and gender equity.

With over thirty US orchestras signed up to one of the program’s eight consortia, Amplifying Voices facilitates co-commissions and sharing of existing repertoire by BIPOC composers. This long-term program aims to increase the support and promotion of under-represented composers, create space for their contributions to artistic-planning at major national orchestras, and make major strides toward transforming the classical canon for future generations.

This increasing momentum, made possible by new funding from the Sorel Organization, Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation, and industry partners ASCAP and Wise Music Trust, demonstrates recognition amongst orchestras that new and inclusive approaches to programming are critical for the sector’s future relevance. They join The Sphinx Organization which kick-started this initiative with a generous contribution from the Sphinx Venture Fund.

Support from the Sorel Organization has contributed to two new consortia led by Dallas Symphony and YOLA (Youth Orchestra Los Angeles) which will each commission a woman of color. Support from Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation will also contribute to two additional new consortia, to be determined, each commissioning an emerging woman composer. ASCAP and Wise Music Trust will support the Amplifying Voices Learning Lab, facilitating conversations with composers, orchestras, and industry guests. Anticipated focal points include best approaches to co-commissioning, centering existent repertoire by BIPOC composers, and enabling audiences around the country to discover the most exciting music of our time.