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
Friday Jun 18, 2021
Friday Jun 18, 2021
Our guest today is Ron Ponder, a man of many talents who has dedicated his life and career to civic and community engagement here in Canton. He has served as Deputy Mayor of Canton, President of the Stark County NAACP, and a Board Member of the Salvation Army. He was the host of “Points to Ponder”, which aired both on WHBC Radio for 10 years. He is currently the CEO of PonderSystems Media, which produces television programs for PBS affiliates, and is a Consultant to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Village construction project.
Orchestrating Change is available wherever you get your podcasts. Go to www.cantonsymphony.org/orchestrating-change/ to sign-up for email reminders, view past episodes, and see the various channels where you can view our content.
For more information about everything else we are offering at this time, please visit www.cantonsymphony.org.
Friday Jun 11, 2021
Friday Jun 11, 2021
Our guest today is Dr. Ana Abrantes, Director of Education at the Sphinx Organization, one of our nation’s leading organizations that is working to develop and support diversity and inclusion in Classical music. She holds a Doctorate in Cello Performance from the University of Georgia, and held several regional orchestra positions in that state, including Principal Cello of the Athens Symphony Orchestra. Before joining the Sphinx Organization, she held several positions with the Heifetz Institute, and is a certified instructor in the Suzuki Method.
A native of Campos do Jordão, Brazil, Dr. Ana Abrantes serves as Director of Education for the Sphinx Organization overseeing the Overture Program, which serves elementary school students throughout Detroit and Flint, and the Sphinx Performance Academy, in partnership with the Curtis and Cleveland Institutes of Music and the Juilliard School.
Orchestrating Change is available wherever you get your podcasts. Go to www.cantonsymphony.org/orchestrating-change/ to sign-up for email reminders, view past episodes, and see the various channels where you can view our content. For more information about everything else we are offering at this time, please visit www.cantonsymphony.org.
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hYvegTX8kFI
Friday Jun 04, 2021
Friday Jun 04, 2021
We are joined today by two-time GRAMMY Award winning operatic bass-baritone Dashon Burton. Dashon’s repertoire runs the gamut from the Baroque period to the present, and he has performed with many of the world’s leading orchestras and opera companies. He is a member of the contemporary vocal ensemble Roomful of Teeth, and has devoted his career to breaking down the arbitrary walls of what it means to be a Classical singer and artist.
As an internationally touring vocalist, he enjoys a particularly robust presence in early music, concert and orchestral music, and art song and recital. Although singing solo music from throughout the ages and traditions of classical music is the foundation of his work, his extensive experience in singing with ensembles has included work with Cantus, Conspirare, and the Grammy Award winning ensemble Roomful of Teeth.
Orchestrating Change is available wherever you get your podcasts.
Go to www.cantonsymphony.org/orchestrating-change/ to sign-up for email reminders, view past episodes, and see the various channels where you can view our content.
For more information about everything else we are offering at this time, please visit www.cantonsymphony.org.
Friday Mar 12, 2021
Friday Mar 12, 2021
This week’s discussion is with pianist, composer and educator Eric Gould. We discuss the history of non-white composers and he shares his own story as an African-American composer. As a person from a family of composers, Gould is able to give unique perspective to what it means to be a part of orchestral music as a non-white person and educates us on the rich history of composers of color.
Eric Gould has enjoyed a multifaceted career as a pianist, composer, arranger, and educator. He has performed and recorded in collaboration with world-renowned instrumentalists such as Jimmy Heath, Ron Carter, James Newton, Bobby Watson, Antonio Hart, Winard Harper, Cindy Blackman, Terri Lynne Carrington, Cecil Bridgewater, Robin Eubanks, and Leon Lee Dorsey in addition to leading his own trio in performances from the Midwest to the East Coast. His debut CD, “On the Real”, rose to number 11 on the national jazz radio charts in the first quarter of 1999. His second CD, “Miles Away… Wayne in Heavy” rose to number 10 on the national charts and to number 45 (out of over 2500 releases) for the year 2000 His third CD, “Who Sez?” sold well from coast to coast, and appeared on radio playlists nationally.
Patrons who wish to sign-up for email reminders may do so at www.cantonsymphony.org/orchestrating-change. More information, including additional episodes, will be released in our weekly newsletter and social media accounts. https://www.cantonsymphony.org/episode-10-eric-gould/
Friday Mar 05, 2021
Friday Mar 05, 2021
Trigger Warning: This episode contains content discussing sexual assault and domestic abuse. Viewer discretion is advised.
In this episode of Orchestrating Change we step outside the world of orchestral music to look at the music industry at large. Frequent guest artist with the Canton Symphony, Angie Haze, discusses the difficulties for independent musicians and the shift to online performance. What does it take for someone to become successful in this industry and why is cross genre support important to the survival of all genres of music?
Award Winning Singer Songwriter, Angie Haze is a multi-instrumentalist, composer and producer. Her latest sound is evocative and experimental with a new, creep-pop appeal. Riveting and poignant, it features haunting vocal arrangements and diverse instrumentation. Haze fearlessly uncovers her viability as a way to enlighten and connect people. Her story of survival never fails to influence change. Angie Haze’s gritty performance features five-part vocal arrangements and a wide variety of musicians. Her band represents commonality that reflects the voices of distinct cultures. They clearly demonstrate compassion and a bond necessary to continue.
Patrons who wish to sign-up for email reminders may do so at www.cantonsymphony.org/orchestrating-change. More information, including additional episodes, will be released in our weekly newsletter and social media accounts. https://www.cantonsymphony.org/episode-9-angie-haze/
https://youtu.be/iWyOa7W98bw
Friday Feb 26, 2021
Friday Feb 26, 2021
In today’s episode, Julian Maddox shares his own experience as a young musician of color in the orchestral world. We discuss what it really takes to bring about truly diverse programming on and off the stage and unpack “the canon” of orchestral music. This discussion gives us a glimpse into what work really needs to be done to bring inclusion and equity to our stages and musical institutions.
In addition to Orchestrating Change internally, educating audiences to issues surrounding diversity and inclusion will be a priority. Music by Black, Latinx, female, Asian, and LGBTQAI+ musicians and composers has been noticeably absent in the programming produced by established institutions in comparison to those who are white and male. Canton Symphony Orchestra hopes to be a more welcoming community that is reflective of the demographics in Canton, Ohio and the surrounding major metropolitan areas.
Patrons who wish to sign-up for email reminders may do so at www.cantonsymphony.org/orchestrating-change. More information, including additional episodes, will be released in our weekly newsletter and social media accounts.
Friday Feb 19, 2021
Friday Feb 19, 2021
In addition to Orchestrating Change internally, educating audiences to issues surrounding diversity and inclusion will be a priority. Music by Black, Latinx, female, Asian, and LGBTQAI+ musicians and composers has been noticeably absent in the programming produced by established institutions in comparison to those who are white and male. Canton Symphony Orchestra hopes to be a more welcoming community that is reflective of the demographics in Canton, Ohio and the surrounding major metropolitan areas.
Patrons who wish to sign-up for email reminders may do so at www.cantonsymphony.org/orchestrating-change. More information, including additional episodes, will be released in our weekly newsletter and social media accounts.
Friday Feb 12, 2021
Friday Feb 12, 2021
Today on Orchestrating Change, GRAMMY award-winning conductor, JoAnn Falletta, spoke with us about her journey to become one of the first female music directors of a major American orchestra and where she sees the future of orchestral music going. Her passion for the orchestra flowed through this conversation and made it very clear to us why she was able to shatter the glass ceiling of conducting.
JoAnn Falletta serves as Music Director of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, Music Director Laureate of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, Principal Guest Conductor of the Brevard Music Center and Artistic Adviser of the Hawaii Symphony Orchestra and the Cleveland Institute of Music Orchestra. Hailed for having ‘Toscanini’s tight control over ensemble, Walter’s affectionate balancing of inner voices, Stokowski’s gutsy showmanship, and a controlled frenzy worthy of Bernstein’, she is a leading force for the music of our time.
Canton Symphony Orchestra knows the need for change within the orchestral community. The tradition of classical music has ignored many communities that have contributed to the development and canon of repertoire played in the concert hall. While Canton Symphony is a regional orchestral, change starts at the smallest level. With “Orchestrating Change”, the Canton Symphony Orchestra hopes to facilitate conversations that will make the concert hall a more welcoming place for previously ignored communities as well as create more acceptance and diversity on the stage.
In addition to orchestrating change internally, educating audiences to issues surrounding diversity and inclusion will be a priority. Music by Black, Latinx, female, Asian, and LGBTQAI+ musicians and composers has been noticeably absent in the programming produced by established institutions in comparison to those who are white and male. Canton Symphony Orchestra hopes to be a more welcoming community that is reflective of the demographics in Canton, Ohio and the surrounding major metropolitan areas.
Patrons who wish to sign-up for email reminders may do so at www.cantonsymphony.org/orchestrating-change. More information, including additional episodes, will be released in our weekly newsletter and social media accounts.
https://www.cantonsymphony.org/episode-6-joann-falletta/
Friday Feb 05, 2021
Friday Feb 05, 2021
Today on Orchestrating Change, Marie-Helene Bernard guides us through a conversation about what it means to be a leader in the field of orchestral music. She speaks on her experience as both a female and an immigrant and how that has affected her leadership style and her view on the future of this field. She is dedicated to equity, diversity and inclusion in her organizations and strives to create an inclusive environment in her organizations so the future of orchestral music is more diverse and representative of the communities we serve.
Canton Symphony Orchestra knows the need for change within the orchestral community. The tradition of classical music has ignored many communities that have contributed to the development and canon of repertoire played in the concert hall. While Canton Symphony is a regional orchestral, change starts at the smallest level. With “Orchestrating Change”, the Canton Symphony Orchestra hopes to facilitate conversations that will make the concert hall a more welcoming place for previously ignored communities as well as create more acceptance and diversity on the stage.
In addition to Orchestrating Change internally, educating audiences to issues surrounding diversity and inclusion will be a priority. Music by Black, Latinx, female, Asian, and LGBTQAI+ musicians and composers has been noticeably absent in the programming produced by established institutions in comparison to those who are white and male. Canton Symphony Orchestra hopes to be a more welcoming community that is reflective of the demographics in Canton, Ohio and the surrounding major metropolitan areas.
Patrons who wish to sign-up for email reminders may do so at www.cantonsymphony.org/orchestrating-change. More information, including additional episodes, will be released in our weekly newsletter and social media accounts.
https://www.cantonsymphony.org/episode-5-marie-helene-bernard/
Friday Feb 05, 2021
Friday Feb 05, 2021
On today’s episode we discuss Michelle Charles’ career path and how she has navigated unexpected developments as the Executive Director of the Canton Symphony. What does an orchestral organization do when faced with events like COVID-19, racial injustice and the me too movement? What is the responsibility of the orchestra and how can the orchestra push to orchestrate change to create a more diverse and inclusive future?
Michelle has been President & CEO since 2011. Previously serving in all capacities of the organization as chorus member and volunteer, board trustee and staff, she continues to be a driving force behind the increasing notoriety of the Canton Symphony. Michelle holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music History and Theory from Hiram College, where she graduated summa cum laude. Michelle is currently the Past President of the Rotary Club of Canton and District Governor Nominee Designate for Rotary District 6650 and is a Paul Harris Fellow. She is currently serving on the boards of The Friends of the Summit (91.3 FM) where she serves as Treasurer, and the Leadership Stark County Alumni Board. She was a member of the 27th Class of Leadership Stark County, and is currently a member of Woman’s Impact, Inc. In 2016, she was chosen to be a part of the Sisters of Charity Leadership Forum and is a member of Malone University’s President’s Advisory Council. In 2012, she was honored to be named one of the Twenty Under 40 and in 2018 was inducted to the YWCA of Stark County’s Women’s Hall of Fame.
Canton Symphony Orchestra knows the need for change within the orchestral community. The tradition of classical music has ignored many communities that have contributed to the development and canon of repertoire played in the concert hall. While Canton Symphony is a regional orchestral, change starts at the smallest level. With “Orchestrating Change”, the Canton Symphony Orchestra hopes to facilitate conversations that will make the concert hall a more welcoming place for previously ignored communities as well as create more acceptance and diversity on the stage. In addition to orchestrating change internally, educating audiences to issues surrounding diversity and inclusion will be a priority. Music by Black, Latinx, female, Asian, and LGBTQAI+ musicians and composers has been noticeably absent in the programming produced by established institutions in comparison to those who are white and male. Canton Symphony Orchestra hopes to be a more welcoming community that is reflective of the demographics in Canton, Ohio and the surrounding major metropolitan areas.
Orchestrating Change is available on all platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and PodBean. Patrons who wish to sign-up for email reminders may do so at www.cantonsymphony.org/orchestrating-change. More information, including additional episodes, will be released in our weekly newsletter and social media accounts.