Dear Friends,

As I write this, I am watching the Facebook Live presentation of #KikiKonversations – a virtual series created by soprano Karen Slack and featuring composer/artivist Daniel Bernard Roumain in conversation. Together, they are talking about their lives and professions as Black musicians in the mostly white world of classical music. (You can watch the recording on Youtube by searching “#KikiKonversations by Karen Slack, Soprano”)

For nearly 100 years, Ovations has been dedicated to the presentation of classical and chamber music. For the past 15 years, we’ve intentionally expanded the definition and recognition of classical music – who creates it, who performs it, who enjoys it – beyond that of music originating out of Western Europe. 

From our first (of many) presentations of Daniel Bernard Roumain in 2009 to Imani Winds, Sphinx Orchestra, and many others as well as programs that highlight the music of composers such as Florence Price and George Walker — who was the first African-American to win a Pulitzer Prize — Ovations is committed to ensuring our stage is one that celebrates the brilliance and beauty of Black and Brown artists.

We are heartened that our longstanding chamber audiences embrace this programming and we are overjoyed to welcome more of you into the conversation.

Thank you for joining us today, in the past and into the future.

Aimée M. Petrin
Executive & Artistic Director