What is the future of the orchestra? Classical music institutions across the United States are facing challenges of relevance, access, representation, and sustainability. Can we reimagine orchestras as vibrant spaces for connection, shared learning, and exploring new modes of creative expression, without compromising their role as purveyors of rich aesthetic experiences? How can these institutions be truly responsive to the needs of their communities, and truly in service to the people around them?
Sound Systems features original speculative fiction stories and visual art, alongside essays from musicians, music educators, arts leaders, activists, and scholars, including thinkers from the fields of civil engineering, learning science, and public health. Contributors consider possible futures for U.S. orchestras through four lenses, each of which brings into focus different social functions, goals, and resources: Orchestra as Game, Orchestra as Infrastructure, Orchestra as Network, and Orchestra as Public Good.
Sound Systems is free to download, read, and share. It was supported by grants from the Sphinx Organization and the Flinn Foundation.
Stories by: Ernest Hogan, Karen Lord, Amy K. Nichols, Deji Bryce Olukotun
Essays by: William Cheng, Mikhail V. Chester, Ashley Lauren Frith, Christopher Jenkins, Loki Karuna, Paul D. Miller aka DJ Spooky, Punya Mishra, Jesse Rosen, Robert H. Simonds, Evan S. Tobias, Lisa Villarroel
Artist: Shachi Kale
Editors: Alex Laing, Joey Eschrich, and Ed Finn
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Illustrations
The art for Sound Systems was created by Shachi Kale. Click on the images below to view full-size, higher-resolution versions.
