Diversity Front and Center at the Menuhin Competition

May 23, 2021, 12:53 PM · "The Danger of a Single Story is not that it’s not true, but that it’s not complete."

That is a quote from Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, and it was also the topic of a rich and wide-ranging panel discussion dedicated to diversity and inclusion in classical music, hosted by Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Richmond and given as a part of the Menuhin Competition 2021 last Friday (see more about the panel discussion below).

The previous evening, the Menuhin Competition also hosted a concert by The Sphinx Virtuosi, whose mission is to advance diversity in classical music by presenting varied programs of works by composers of color alongside well-known masterpieces. You can watch their absolutely stellar program here:

PROGRAM:

Piazzolla - Fuga y misterio (1:46)

Dvorák - Finale from String Quartet No. 12 in F major, Op. 96, “American” (8:14)

Andrea Casarrubios - SEVEN for solo cello (14:22)

Thomas Mesa, cello

Xavier Foley - For Justice and Peace (23:44)

Rubén Rengel, violin
Xavier Foley, bass)

Michael Abels - Delights & Dances (34:16)

Rainel Joubert, violin
Melissa White, violin
Celia Hatton, viola
Thomas Mesa, cello

* * *

The background to the panel discussion "The Danger of a Single Story: The Importance of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Arts" is well-known: the classical music industry remains predominantly white and Asian, and the Black Lives Matter movement has rekindled the quest for a more diversified space. For over a year, diversity and equity in the classical scene has been the topic of articles in the New York Times, and in behind the scenes board-room discussions of major orchestras.

The video of "The Danger of Single Story" panel discussion can be found here:

The discussion was facilitated by Dr. Ronald Crutcher, University of Richmond President, and featured the following contributors:

Aaron Dworkin - 2021 juror, violinist, and founder of the Sphinx Organization
Jennifer Arnold - Director of Artistic Planning & Orchestral Operations of the Richmond Symphony
Alex Nyerges - Director of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Wesley Taylor - Professor of Graphic Design at Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of the Arts
Stoner Winslett - Artistic Director of the Richmond Ballet

Here are some highlights of the discussion:

Collaboration is essential. There is no one organization that can bring about the systemic change that has existed for so long. For example, even if an organization or an institution has a BIPOC leader, the work will not be sustainable unless the collective group is working to make a change. (Dworkin)
Everyone deserves to have art in their life. We should not be limiting our audiences that are able to experience these works. (Nyerges)
As a part of the event, the panel discussed the importance of passing the torch to the next generation.
As an industry, it is important for the people that are currently in positions to leave behind a better place than they came into. We must systematically make our curriculum more inclusive rather than dedicating certain opportunities to minorities. (Dworkin)
We must stop “gatekeeping” (limiting access) in the arts community. This is especially prevalent in classical music. We must allow space for people to enter the community. (Arnold)
We need to allow younger people to have real opportunities and experience failure as part of learning. In allowing them to do this earlier in their careers, they will learn sooner and be capable of changing the industry as they continue in their careers. (Taylor)
In addition to allowing people to enter the industry, we need to make sure everyone has the access to to train in the various artforms. We cannot wait for the community to come to us; we must be ready to bring the art to the community. (Winslett)

Aaron Dworkin’s final words were a perfect summary of the event: "The hope is that advocacy work is not a necessity. The hope is that we will be celebrating the diversity that exists rather than fighting so that diversity can exist."

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Diversity Front and Center at the Menuhin Competition

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