The League of American Orchestras’ upcoming annual conference, “Embracing A Changed World”, will be held Monday, June 7 to Thursday, June 17 virtually online.

The theme of this year’s conference will focus on five core questions:

  • What new opportunities and challenges are emerging, and how do we balance the need for both engagement and revenue?

  • What responsibilities and opportunities do orchestras have to deepen their relationships with their communities?

  • What shifts across the board can we make, in order to progress towards a more equitable, post-pandemic future? What new tools and approaches do we need, in order to sustain and expand this work?

  • How has a year of adversity and awareness changed our approach to programming and the concert experience?

  • How do we make a compelling case that resonates with government, funders, and the public as a new chapter in the work of orchestras begins?

Each question will frame one full day of the Conference, providing an in-depth look into current issues being faced by orchestras in the United States.

Keynote speakers include:

  • Elizabeth Alexander, President of the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

  • Marc Bamuthi Joseph, Vice President and Artistic Director of Social Impact at the Kennedy Center

  • Wynton Marsalis, world-renowned trumpeter, bandleader, and composer

  • Titus Underwood, principal oboe of the Nashville Symphony

The conference will also feature performances by the National Symphony Orchestra, Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra, New Bedford Symphony, Greensboro Symphony, Minnesota Orchestra, Omaha Symphony, Albany Symphony, San DIego Symphony, Interschool Orchestras of New York, and the Hawai’i Symphony Orchestra.

On Friday June 11, visitors are invited to visit virtual exhibit booths and attend “innovation sessions” which will feature experts in fields such as finance, brand strategy, audience retention, and patron engagement. Monday June 14 will be devoted to “constituency meetings” which will provide opportunities for professionals within the orchestra industry to hold discussions, network, and learn.

Admission is $125 for members. For non-members, admission is $250. Musicians from League member orchestras and students are free. For more information and to register for the conference, visit https://leagueconference.org/