Resisting the Eurocentric Paradigm: Activist Classical Music Groups Effect Change

The Dream Unfinished is one of numerous grassroots, activist orchestras that have emerged in recent years across the country. Their existence is a form of resistance against mainstream classical institutions that have been slow to change and diversify.

The concert, organized by arts administrator and clarinetist, Eun Lee, was a direct response to the killing of Eric Garner at the hands of New York police. Held at Centennial Memorial Temple in New York, the performance featured music by activist composer Leonard Bernstein and William Grant Still, considered the “dean” of African American composers, and speeches by activists including Garner’s daughter, Erica. Proceeds from ticket sales went to the Center for Constitutional Rights, Justice League NYC, and the National Coalition of Law Enforcement Officers for Justice.

FRIDAY: Sound Off-Live from Broadway Presbyterian Church

Sound Off: Music for Bail presents a livestreamed concert beamed live from Broadway Presbyterian Church, featuring four of New York City's finest chamber musicians in a program of music by historical and contemporary Black American composers.

Sound Off x Justice Committee: Celebrating Richie Perez

Sound Off: Music for Bail presents a pre-recorded and livestreamed Groupmuse concert Wednesday March 31 at 7 p.m. ET in collaboration with the Justice Committee to celebrate the life of co-founder Richie Perez and his incredible impact. Proceeds from the concert directly benefit performing musicians' stipends and the Justice Committee’s liberatory work.

Sound Off x Bass Players for Black Composers: New Works for the New Year

Sound Off: Music for Bail presents a recorded concert in collaboration with Bass Players for Black Composers, a performing and commissioning organization that "encourages the expansion of solo repertoire for bass and the normalization of works by Black composers through commissioning diverse artists in all stages of their careers, disseminating works, facilitating performances, and producing educational programs."

Sound Off: Music For Bail x The City Reliquary: Dorothy Rudd Moore & More

Sound Off: Music for Bail will host a livestream premiere at 7 p.m. EST on November 14 from Brooklyn’s City Reliquary museum featuring Dorothy Rudd Moore’s “Modes”, Felix Mendelssohn's String Quartet No. 4, Op. 44 No. 2, and William Grant Still's “Lyric Quartette”. The evening’s performance of Moore’s "Modes" will be the first ever full recording of this work.