The laws and institutions of every country must be analogous to some common principle. For centuries, the United States has declared democracy as its guiding light. But at no single moment in our national experiment have the nation’s institutions applied the fruits of its democratic impulses to all citizens. For today as in 1619, black Americans live beneath a spectre of economic disenfranchisement, cultural suppression, political delegitimization, and physical peril at the hands of public agents and institutions mandated to serve, protect, and advance them.
Orchestra Los Angeles stands with our brothers, sisters, colleagues, and fellow organizations demanding justice for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and citizens of color nationwide living under this spectre.
But more specifically—
- We recognize the pervasive, foundational, and evolving role white supremacy has played – and continues to play – in shaping programming, hiring, and marketing practices throughout our industry.
- We see the fundamental difference between empowering communities of color through the arts and merely aiding their assimilation of white, western culture via classical music.
- We know the prejudices of orchestras are never restricted to their halls; they only pass through them.
- We see with clear eyes that institutional prejudice within an orchestra is as much a matter its general policy as it is its resolve to hold itself – its administrators, directors, staff, players, contractors, subcontractors, vendors, partners, and yes, donors – accountable.
- We believe classical music education programs in diverse communities that imbue artistic and technical guidance while neglecting the pervasive societal forces casting students of color – particularly young black girls – into premature adulthood (“adultification”) are insufficient for the times.
- We believe arts presenters who intentionally suppress or filter black voices within their halls are complicit in their suppression outside the hall.
And so, through the best of times and darkest of hours, we pledge:
- To stand in solidarity with our brothers and sisters of the Black community, and all communities rising up to systemic injustice and oppression.
- To maintain active lines of communication with our community, local leaders, activists, and all citizens willing to help us better see, hear, and understand their identity and perspective.
- To maintain an equitable roster of performers, administrators, advisors, and staff – embracing all colors, genders, and identities.
- To maintain programming that is consistently reflective of Los Angeles’ diversity – and not merely for “special events” or “festivals”.
- To produce content that not only reflects Los Angeles’ diversity, but also presents challenges and solutions to the injustices faced by our fellow black and brown citizens.
It is not enough simply to stand; change requires action. WE at Orchestra Los Angeles will use our voice to unapologetically elevate those too often denied platforms to be seen and heard. We will listen with all our might to their song and join in alongside them. Above all, we will let empathy, justice, and peace guide us in our journey to a more perfect union.
We call on all American orchestras to join us in this pledge.
