
The Canton Symphony Orchestra recognizes the need for change within the classical music world. For too long, the traditions of this art form have overlooked many communities whose voices and contributions deserve to be heard.
As a regional orchestra, we believe that meaningful change begins right here – within our own community.
Through Orchestrating Change, we aim to open conversations that make the concert hall a more welcoming space for all, while fostering greater inclusion, representation, and diversity both on stage and beyond.
The Canton Symphony Orchestra recognizes the need for change within the classical music world. For too long, the traditions of this art form have overlooked many communities whose voices and contributions deserve to be heard.
As a regional orchestra, we believe that meaningful change begins right here – within our own community.
Through Orchestrating Change, we aim to open conversations that make the concert hall a more welcoming space for all, while fostering greater inclusion, representation, and diversity both on stage and beyond.
Episodes

Wednesday Apr 22, 2026
Episode 55 with Mélisse Brunet (pt.1)
Wednesday Apr 22, 2026
Wednesday Apr 22, 2026
On today’s episode of Orchestrating Change, we welcome Mélisse Brunet, who is serving as our guest conductor for MasterWorks VI: Brahms' A German Requim and is also a CSO Music Director finalist for the 2026-2027 season.
Renowned for her “uncommon emotional intensity” and commanding presence on the podium, conductor Mélisse Brunet is gaining international recognition across the U.S. and Europe. A Paris native with Spanish and Italian roots, she currently serves as Music Director of the Lexington Philharmonic—the first woman to hold the role—and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic. Brunet is also featured in the documentary Maestra, which follows her journey at the La Maestra competition and earned 2nd place in the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival Audience Award for Best Documentary, alongside widespread acclaim from major media outlets.
Orchestrating Change is available on all podcasts platforms. Visit www.orchestratingchange.com for more episodes, or visit cantonsymphony.org to learn more about the Canton Symphony Orchestra.

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