Black Orchestral Network

08/01/2026

We are saddened to learn of the passing of Booker Rowe, an orchestral icon whose remarkable 50-year career with the The Philadelphia Orchestra inspired generations of musicians and audiences alike.

We were honored to welcome Booker to our podcast Black Music Seen, where he shared his story as a Black orchestral pioneer, reflecting on a career that helped shape the field and open doors for those who followed.

Today, we invite you to share your memories, reflections, and condolences in the comments as we remember his extraordinary life and legacy. Later this week, we’ll reshare his Black Music Seen episode so more people can hear his story in his own words.

Rest in peace, Booker, you will be missed. 🖤

07/26/2026

Summer is one of the busiest seasons for musicians, and if we’re honest, it’s been so busy that BON hasn’t had much time to post!

As we prepare for a new season, let’s also make time to take care of ourselves.

Join us this Monday, July 27 for BON’s July Community Conversation, hosted by Ebonee Thomas, as we explore musician wellness with special guests Meghan Jones and Joy Payton-Stevens. Together, we’ll discuss practical strategies for sustaining our health and well-being while navigating the demands of a career in music.

This event is free and open to all.

Register anytime at blackorchestralnetwork.org or via our Linktree.

https://linktr.ee/blackorchestralnetwork

We hope to see you Monday at 7:30 PM ET on Zoom!

06/11/2026

06/09/2026

We love to see (and hear) it! 🔥🔥🔥

This was a MOMENT! 🤩



Music Director Jonathon Heyward led the world premiere of Billy Childs’ “A More Perfect Union” on Tuesday in Baltimore.

Hear the BSO, and Anthony and Demarre McGill perform the Concerto again this weekend at Strathmore and the Meyerhoff!
✊🏿✊🏾✊🏽

05/28/2026

Sharing with our community that friends of Blaize Henry are crowdfunding to commission a new work in honor of his memory and legacy.

Learn more here: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/linton-stephens-1?utm_medium=CF&utm_source=CL 🕊️

05/22/2026

Gateways Music Festival stands in solidarity with the Black Orchestral Network and its third “Dear American Orchestras” letter. 🖤

In its third “Dear American Orchestras” letter, BON calls on orchestras and funders to reimagine fellowship programs as true investments in Black classical musicians — not symbolic gestures, but meaningful pathways to professional growth, belonging, and long-term employment.

This call is deeply aligned with Gateways’ mission.

Since its founding, Gateways has created space for Black classical musicians to gather, perform, collaborate, and be recognized in the fullness of their artistry. We know that access alone is not enough. Support must be sustained. Opportunity must be meaningful. Belonging must be real.

We affirm BON’s recommendations and stand with its call for an orchestral field that invests in Black musicians with the seriousness, care, and accountability they deserve.

We encourage our community to read the full letter and reflect on what true investment in the future of American orchestral music requires .

05/20/2026

BON's May Community Conversation has been moved to Tuesday due to the holiday weekend.

Join BON leadership for a conversation about Dear American Orchestras III and why now is the time to rethink and reinvest in meaningful pathways to long-term employment for Black classical musicians.

Together, we’ll discuss fellowship programs, accountability, and what meaningful institutional investment should look like moving forward.

Tuesday, May 26
7:30 PM ET

Open to all. Register for the Zoom link here: https://www.blackorchestralnetwork.org/open-letter-2026

05/19/2026

Dear American Orchestras III is here.

In our newest open letter, BON examines why fellowship programs alone are not enough — and what meaningful investment in Black orchestral musicians must look like moving forward.

The time for symbolic support has passed. Real pathways, real investment, and real accountability are needed now.

Read Dear American Orchestras III: https://www.blackorchestralnetwork.org/open-letter-2026

04/01/2026

03/31/2026

We celebrate Sophia Jean, Marlène Ngalissamy, and Joshua Elmore on receiving tenure in their respective orchestras.

Moments like this matter. We’re proud to recognize their artistry, dedication, and this significant milestone.

🖤