Classical music institutions across the U.S. 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?
Our new book Sound Systems features speculative fiction and 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. We consider possible futures for orchestras through four thematic lenses: Orchestra as Game, Infrastructure, Network, and Public Good.
Join us for a virtual event on Monday, October 27 at 11:00 am Arizona time (2:00 pm Eastern) to celebrate the launch of Sound Systems and reflect on pathways towards conceptualizing and shaping the future of orchestras.
The event will be hosted by Sound Systems editors Alex Laing and Ed Finn and will feature composer, multimedia artist, and writer Paul D. Miller (DJ Spooky), speculative fiction author Deji Bryce Olukotun, and violist, songwriter, and music educator Ashley Lauren Frith.
This event is free and open to everyone. Sound Systems is supported by grants from the Sphinx Organization and the Flinn Foundation.