ATLANTA — There's a major effort happening to draw more Black and Hispanic musicians to classical symphony orchestras and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra is leading the way.
Three decade ago, Cuban-born Atlantan Azira Hill realized the specific need. Black and Hispanic musicians make up less than 5% of orchestras nationwide.
Hill was motivated to create the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra's Talent Development Program. As Hill celebrates her 100th birthday, she marvels at the program’s success.
“I feel wonderful. It is indescribable. The joy and emotion that you feel sometimes and you find yourself crying because we didn’t expect this, especially when we were told we cannot do it, but it happened,” Hill said.
She and her symphony colleagues are on the constant search for Black and Hispanic young musical talent, eager to build a career in classical music. Cellist Denielle Wilson is a Lithonia native and Talent Development Program graduate. She is a successful product of the program and a proud member of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra.
“I didn’t have access to music lessons and my father was really looking for me to continue playing cello, so the Talent Development Program was recommended," Wilson said. "So, I took an audition."
Lessons, recitals, summer programs, and even playing in a high school symphony orchestra prepared her for the long-awaited audition with the Atlanta Symphony.
When she finally crossed that finish line of success, getting a chair in the symphony felt like a dream come true.
“It has taking me time to fully grasp it. If you asked me maybe two years ago, I would not envision this happened, Yes, it is still surreal,” she added.
Atlanta native and Julliard graduate Joshua Williams first joined the program as a freshman in high school.
"It sort of opened my eyes to what a career in music, as an orchestra tuba could look like and sort of guided me every step of the process and how to get there,” he said.
Over 170 young people have joined the program since it started 30 years ago.
The Talent Program has been so successful that the Atlanta Symphony is hosting a nationwide symposium next Month for orchestra representatives from across the country to share how it is done.
The program is free and will soon be accepting applications for auditions for next season's class. Those who are in interested in a serious career in music who are between the fifth and 10th grade in metro Atlanta can view more information here.
Atlanta Symphony Orchestra will also host a nationwide symposium in November for orchestra representatives after the program's success.