Bridging Difference, Connecting Cultures

Monday, October 17, 10:00am – 11:30am

Organized and moderated by Jesse Rosen, President & CEO, League of American Orchestras.

Presented by Delta David Gier, Music Director, South Dakota Symphony Orchestra; and Barry LeBeau (Lakota), Co-Creator & Narrator, Lakota Music Project, South Dakota Symphony Orchestra.

In an age of increasing polarization, orchestras are exploring how to deploy the symphonic art form in ways that bring people together and build community across social, cultural, and economic divides. These explorations are provoking profound changes in mind-sets of orchestra leaders about questions centered on who the music is for, which music is being made, why, where, and how. Answers to these questions have profound implications for artistic decision making, production, and financial models, as well as artistic relevance and impact. During this session, participants will learn about intriguing projects, including the South Dakota Symphony’s Lakota Music Project. Such projects use the creation, curation, and performance of symphonic music to bridge historic social and cultural divides. Participants will consider what it will take to help orchestras develop effective practices through which they can successfully contribute to greater social and economic justice in communities across the country.