Poster 2016 Sphinx Competition
2016 Sphinx Competition
Nate Ryan
Performance Today Features

Diversity in Classical Music

African-Americans and Latinos account for 30% of the U.S. population, and that number is steadily rising. But only 4% of the members of major American orchestras are Black or Latino. Does that matter? And if so, what can and should we do about it?

On Performance Today, we're launching a conversation about the value of diversity in classical music. We'll talk about who is on stage, and who is in the audience. About what music is being played and shared. About venues and styles of concert presentation. About who the taste-makers and decision-makers are. And about the cultural, educational, and historical threads that have led us to where we are today.

Our list of thought-provoking interviews will grow over the course of the year, so keep coming back to this page to see and hear more.

YOUR voice is critical to this conversation. How can classical music be more inclusive? What are the barriers to making that happen? How has the face of classical music changed in your lifetime? Join the conversation on Facebook, send us your thoughts at mail@performancetoday.org or give us a call: 1-866-943-4450. Let's start talking.

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Latest Performance Today Features Episodes

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Latest Performance Today Features Episodes

Joshua Roman: Extended interview

Joshua Roman: Extended interview

When cellist Joshua Roman got COVID-19 in January 2021, he was sure he'd recover quickly. Instead, he's still living with what's now known as Long COVID — physical and cognitive symptoms that affect his daily life. Roman recently joined Fred Child in the studio to tell his story and discuss his new album, ‘Immunity.’

33:31
Young Artist in Residence: Daniel Dastoor

Young Artist in Residence: Daniel Dastoor

We’re proud to introduce you to violinist Daniel Dastoor, the next of our 2024 cohort of PT Young Artists in Residence. Daniel joined Fred Child in our St. Paul studio—hear Daniel’s music and the entire interview here!

44:16
Young Artist in Residence: Najee Greenlee

Young Artist in Residence: Najee Greenlee

Clarinetist Najee Greenlee is the next of our 2024 cohort of PT Young Artists in Residence. Najee recently joined Fred Child in our St. Paul studio—hear Najee’s music and the entire interview here!

36:43
Young Artist in Residence: Jane Yoo

Young Artist in Residence: Jane Yoo

Harpist Jane Yoo is the next of our 2024 cohort of PT Young Artists in Residence. Jane recently joined Fred Child in our St. Paul studio—hear Jane’s music and the entire interview here!

44:02
Love it! Great new albums
Young Artist in Residence: Avery Gagliano

Young Artist in Residence: Avery Gagliano

Pianist Avery Gagliano is the next of our 2024 cohort of PT Young Artists in Residence. Avery recently joined Fred Child in our St. Paul studio—hear their music and the entire interview here!

44:05
Young Artist in Residence: Sarah Ma

Young Artist in Residence: Sarah Ma

Sarah Ma is the first of the 2024 cohort of PT Young Artists in Residence. They are an Asian American artist from Queens, New York, who is deeply committed to cultural advocacy, inclusion, and artistic collaboration. Sarah recently joined Fred Child in our St. Paul studio—hear their music and the entire interview here!

43:51
Who will be the 2024 Classical Woman of the Year?
Extra: A conversation with Hilary Hahn

Extra: A conversation with Hilary Hahn

Violinist Hilary Hahn recently joined Fred Child in our New York studio to discuss her latest album, Eugene Ysaye: Six Sonatas for Solo Violin, Op. 27. In this extended interview, Hahn unpacks her theory about light and redemption in the Dies Irae theme found throughout Ysaye’s Sonata No. 2, “Obsession.”

21:22
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