The 2024 Summit Agenda is built around the theme Amplifying Black Perspectives: Driving Industry Change in Classical Music. This year’s sessions focus on elevating Black cultural aesthetics, creative expression, and scholarship, while addressing actionable strategies for change in the classical music industry. Attendees will engage with thought leaders and advocates dedicated to creating a more inclusive, equitable future for orchestras and the broader classical music community. Throughout the day we have provided breaks to allow for attendees to participate in the conversation and with each other.

Spend the day with us! We will be providing breakfast bites and a catered lunch from Just Soul Catering to allow more time for networking and community.

We are excited to host our 2nd Black Orchestral Network Summit, returning to NYC! Thanks to generous support from NYSCA and the Mellon Foundation, this year's convening is free and open to all.

Join us for a day focused on elevating Black cultural aesthetics, creative expression, and scholarship, while exploring actionable strategies for transforming the classical music industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with thought leaders and advocates working to create a more inclusive and equitable future for orchestras and the broader classical music community.

As always if you need us, please feel free to send us an email at Blackorchestralnetwork@gmail.com.

We cannot wait to hear from this impressive and inspiring group of speakers. It doesn’t matter if you are an orchestra patron, board member, administrator, union member, or musician, we want you to leave with the idea that you can direct change with the institutions you care about.

Doors will open for check-in at 9:00am. Join us for coffee + bites through 9:55am before our first session begins.

Enjoy a complimentary catered lunch, thoughtfully prepared to accommodate all dietary preferences. Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, or have other dietary needs, we've ensured there's something delicious for everyone.

Photos by Titilayo ayangade

To make your visit as comfortable as possible, we've compiled a list of convenient hotels located near the event venue.

Renaissance NY Chelsea

Motto by Hilton

Hilton NY Fashion District:

The Chelsean NY Hotel

Hyatt Place NY/Chelsea

INNSiDE NY Nomad

Jay Suites – Chelsea

159 W 25th St

New York, NY 10001

2nd Floor

Venue Office Number (212) 431-8800

Here's a few of our recommendations to view this weekend.

Brooklyn Museum

New York Public Library