The New York Philharmonic has championed diverse, contemporary artistic voices since our founding, and with a new season — and a new home — on the horizon, this commitment is as vital as ever. The NY Phil is partnering with The Juilliard School’s Preparatory Division and American Composers Forum in Composing Inclusion, a new two-year program designed to develop the next generation of composers, made possible by a $100,000 grant from Sphinx Venture Fund.

Out of a competitive field, nine Black and / or Latino composers have been chosen to develop adaptable works — which can be performed by a variety of ensembles, from professionals to students, and in various instrumental configurations — through a series of workshops and rehearsals, engaging multiple generations and members of New York’s musical community. The works of two of the nine composers — Colombian-born James Díaz (above, left) and American bassist, composer, songwriter, vocalist, and multi-award-winner Jordyn Davis (right) — will be featured on the NY Phil’s Young People’s Concert: New Voices, on May 6, 2023, at David Geffen Hall’s Wu Tsai Theater, conducted by Paolo Bortolameolli in his NY Phil debut.

“The work of these incredible musical creators will send an important message about who should be represented and how that can happen within a concert experience,” said Gary A. Padmore, the NY Phil’s Vice President of Education and Community Engagement, The Sue B. Mercy Chair. “This will be a transformative experience for the Philharmonic and our community, as we celebrate the inauguration of this initiative in our new David Geffen Hall.”