The board of Indiana’s South Bend Symphony Orchestra reports that it has voted unanimously to adopt an official statement and plan of action to address equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) as proposed by the orchestra’s EDI Committee. Formed in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, the committee of board and community members has been working on the statement and initiatives since August 2020. The statement focuses on greater representation of African diaspora composers, performances, reassessed hiring and recruitment practices, and partnerships with organizations already leading this work. Board President John Axelberg said the documents “pave the way for strengthening the orchestra and the board and therefore our ability to serve our community.” Dr. Marvin Curtis, who chairs the orchestra’s EDI committee, said, “I’ve been in South Bend for 13 years, and apart from the MLK Day Celebration concert … change has been slow. But it’s a new day. The murder of George Floyd created a moment, and I wish we could have gotten here under different circumstances, but I’m not going to let this moment pass us by.” The full statement is available at www.southbendsymphony.org.
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