Accessible Arts Engagement

Funds the creation, performance, and recording of new chamber music works through grant programs that support composers, ensembles, and presenters. In 2025, provided $1,261,350 in funding to 338 musicians and 20 presenting organizations across more than 20 states.

Fosters a connected, inclusive community of musicians, presenters, artist managers, and supporters by providing platforms, resources, and opportunities for engagement and growth, including international delegations such as a 2020 visit by Puerto Rican musicians to New York.

Awards grants for classical music commissions and performance initiatives, including projects that incorporate artist mentorship components.

Recognizes outstanding contributions to the chamber music field through annual awards, including the Richard J. Bogomolny National Service Award, the Michael Jaffee Visionary Award, Ensemble of the Year, Commission/New Work of the Year, and other honors celebrating artistic achievement, innovation, and community impact.

Hosts an annual conference each January that convenes musicians, presenters, and industry leaders for professional development, networking, best-practice sharing, showcase performances, and concerts to advance artistic excellence and organizational resilience.

Offers grants to support the growth and sustainability of chamber music ensembles and presenters, including funding for business consulting and capacity-building initiatives, particularly for those affected by disruptions in grant funding.

Produces a quarterly magazine and publishes in-depth research articles that document and highlight chamber music ensembles, artistic collaborations, historical figures, and contemporary developments in the field, including features on the Takács Quartet, Lil Hardin Armstrong, and the Poiesis Quartet.

Provides funding for the creation of new jazz compositions and performances by jazz ensembles and composers, including support through consortium-based presenter networks.

Commissions contemporary composers to create new orchestral works and presents world premieres, such as Michael Torke’s composition performed at the opening of the 2026/2027 Philharmonics season.

Engages over 30,000 individuals annually through dedicated education programs, including classroom performances, school concerts, the orKIDStra series, and digital education resources viewed over 500,000 times. Programs serve students from pre-K through grade 6 and include curriculum-aligned musical experiences.

Co-sponsors and delivers the OPUS program, providing music education, mentorship, and live orchestral experiences to Rochester students, supported by $20,000 in city funding. Includes over 60 annual student engagements such as masterclasses, side-by-side performances, and guest artist visits.

Produces approximately 150 concerts and broadcasts annually, including ticketed events, free community concerts, and special performances such as film scores, holiday pops, Broadway tributes, and collaborations with renowned guest artists. These performances reach up to 170,000 people across Rochester and surrounding areas.

Offers community-centered initiatives such as the Around the Town concert series and Care & Wellness engagements, designed to connect diverse and multigenerational audiences through music in accessible settings.

Provides access to concerts and educational opportunities for students from preK-12 through college, including discounted or free tickets, season passes, school-time concerts, and special events with artist engagement.

Manages concert ticket sales, seating assignments, and customer support through the Kleinhans Music Hall box office, offering subscription packages, group discounts, and flexible booking options.

Stages synchronized live performances of film scores, including Michael Giacchino’s music for _Coco_, performed in real time during screenings of the film.

Commissions and presents world premieres of original orchestral compositions, such as Richard Danielpour’s oratorio _Francis_, created to mark significant cultural or historical milestones.

Produces and presents live orchestral concerts in Buffalo, New York, including performances of classical repertoire, pops programs, and special events featuring guest artists such as Lang Lang and conductors like JoAnn Falletta and Ron Spigelman.