In this post, Mark Clague, co-moderator of today’s live event, shares some of what he’s hoping to learn from each of our speakers. If you can’t join us in San Francisco, you can follow the conversation on this blog, on Twitter and view complete videos from the event later this week.
Things I’m Hoping to Learn…
From Prof. Neil Harris (Univeristy of Chicago)
What has it meant historically to be an artist in American society? I think we as American are sometimes paralyzed by imperatives to be pragmatic and to be pioneering at the same time. Is the role of art in U.S. society similarly vexed between utility and dreams? Is there a way to reconcile these competing impulses?
From Jesse Rosen (League of American Orchestras)
What strategies are orchestras across the U.S. using today to connect more effectively with their communities? Is there a conflict between striving for excellence in music making and orchestras/musicians serving their communities. Can being great at making music help make our communities greater and, if so, how do we make that case?
From Afa Sadykhly Dworkin (Sphinx Organization)
How does classical music impact the lives of young people, especially the African American and Latino musicians who participate in Sphinx Organization educational programs and competitions? Do we have evidence in America of the power of music as a social benefit in similar ways to what El Sistema has demonstrated in Venezuela?
From Amos Yang (San Francisco Symphony)
How has growing up in San Francisco’s classical music community affected his own life and values? What does he see as music’s role in the city today and are there areas of potential impact that have yet to be realized?
From Debra Borda and Gustavo Dudamel (LA Phil / YOLA)
I’d like to know more about the vision for El Sistema-inspired music education programs in the U.S., especially how the ideas that Gustavo Dudamel grew up with can inspire our current educators, schools, musicians, and music students here to make our communities stronger and our world a better place. Do we need new institutions or new approaches?