Episode 7 - The Past Informs the Future with Gerhardt Zimmermann

 

Today on Orchestrating Change, we are joined by Music Director of the Canton Symphony Orchestra, Gerhardt Zimmermann. He shares his story as a physically disabled conductor through his long and prosperous career. We also discuss his views on the orchestral industry and what issues he has seen from the perspective of the music director. How has the industry changed and what can long standing professionals do to push the industry forward?

 

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.

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https://youtu.be/HqyhuBCTWLk

 

https://www.cantonsymphony.org/episode-7-gerhardt-zimmermann/