MUSICAL UPCOMING STARS IN THE CLASSICS DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
STATEMENT
01.08.22
Musical Upcoming Stars in the Classics (M.U.S.i.C.) is committed to providing intimate performance opportunities for emerging, world class musicians in Northeast Ohio. Through its activities, M.U.S.i.C. provides enjoyment for audiences, helps launch new musical careers,
introduces novel performance venues, and expands the audience for chamber music. M.U.S.i.C. aims to enhance Northeast Ohio’s reputation as an international capital of musical excellence.
While remaining committed to the highest musical standards, M.U.S.i.C. recognizes the need for a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive arts sector, particularly within the world of classical music. While classical music is rooted in the European musical tradition, that tradition is
broader than is often assumed and has included influences from other traditions, such as the African-American and Latin American traditions. M.U.S.i.C. is actively exploring different genres and traditions that in a way that will inform and expand its core classical repertoire in an
inclusive way.
M.U.S.i.C. approaches the challenges of diversity, equity and inclusion in the following ways:
Repertoire
M.U.S.i.C. actively seeks opportunities to expand its programming by going beyond familiar pieces from familiar composers to recognize the contributions of overlooked persons and communities to diversify the perspective of our audience.
Artists
M.U.S.i.C. features an ever-changing roster of emerging young musicians in its performances. That approach allows us to engage with new collaborators who represent communities of color and diverse national and ethnic backgrounds. We continuously look for new artists through our outreach to current and former performers, recommendations from professional musicians, and our strong links to local music schools.
Leadership
M.U.S.i.C. encourages a culture in which diverse perspectives are expressed and honored. We actively seek board members to serve the needs of the organization who bring a diversity of culture, experience, and ethnicity to our leadership.
Audience
M.U.S.i.C. strives to expand the audience for classical music by emphasizing the youth of its performers and the evolving scope of its repertoire. M.U.S.i.C. strives to create an inclusive and welcoming space for both audiences and artists. We are committed to making our programs
accessible to the broadest possible audience by keeping ticketed events affordable and offering complimentary tickets to those who can’t afford them. M.U.S.i.C. also provides free online programming to attract new audiences.
Venues
M.U.S.i.C. offers house concerts, as well as live performances at public venues. We prioritize assets in our public venues such as ADA accessibility, which are essential to many of our patrons.
M.U.S.i.C. believes that the future of classical music requires the nurturing and promotion of professional musicians as they begin their careers. We also believe that building a connection between our musicians, who come from a variety of backgrounds, and our audience will help
build a foundation for a long-term role for classical music. While we recognize that our field may seem privileged, we believe that M.U.S.i.C. has a unique opportunity to broaden and diversify the audience for classical music in a way that is more equitable and inclusive.