Bending the Arc: A Bold Future for Classical Music
- Stanford Thompson
- Apr 16
- 2 min read
Earlier this month, Equity Arc gathered hundreds of musicians, educators, administrators, funders, and partners from around the country in Chicago for our National Convening—a celebration of progress, a moment of reflection, and a call to action for the future of classical music.
This convening came on the heels of our recent 60 Minutes feature, which offered the world a glimpse of what’s possible when talent, opportunity, and purpose come together. What we experienced in Chicago went even further: it showcased what the future of classical music sounds, feels, and looks like when we commit to advancing equity—not just in theory, but in action.
At Equity Arc, we are working to reshape the field from the inside out. We are building a future where excellence is defined not by exclusion but by connection—connection to culture, community, and each other. That means training programs designed for all musicians. That means investing in artists who deserve a place on our professional stages. And that means helping institutions go beyond representation to embrace belonging and opportunity.
As I shared in my opening remarks, this moment in our movement calls for three things from each of us:
Be bold. We cannot afford to retreat out of fear. Solving the problems we face requires transformation—and that begins with bold ideas and brave conversations.
Be honest. We must speak openly about what’s working, what’s not, and what we’re afraid to admit. Vulnerability is the foundation of trust, and trust is what makes collective progress possible.
Be generous. With your stories, your insights, and your questions. The strength of this community lies in the wisdom we all bring to the table.
We are grateful for our partners who continue to provide equitable opportunities, support, and funding available to deserving classical musicians of color. The arc of the moral universe may bend toward justice—but only if we have the will, the patience, and the people to bend it. Together, we are that Arc. Let’s keep moving forward.
