Orchestras make a difference.

They present both time-honored masterworks and contemporary orchestral music. A growing body of new work reflects our time and place and can be a catalyst for important conversations.

Through programs with themes tied to specific cultures, orchestras convene and connect diverse groups to an art form that resonates with people of all backgrounds.  

Their creative collaborations with community-service, educational, and other artistic organizations create authentic relationships with youth, seniors, and underserved populations.

Representation

For the Marquette Symphony Orchestra, achieving diversity means affirming the inclusion and involvement of a broad representation of our community reflecting its true make-up, including race, ethnicity and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation, age, socio-economic status, disabilities, education, geography, and religion.

As an equal opportunity organization, we do not discriminate based on race, religion, age, color, disability, marital status, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran's status. We believe that our orchestra reflects the makeup of the community we serve, and we remain committed to advancing anti-racism and equity, diversity, and inclusion.

We believe that the inclusion of a broad range of experiences and perspectives will strengthen our organization by prompting us to react and think differently, approach challenges and solve problems differently, and seek new opportunities. We believe that superior organizational performance requires tapping into a variety of life experiences and perspectives.

For the orchestra to remain vital, we must be authentically diverse—onstage, on staff, and in our governance. It is essential that community-center organizations in the 21st century contribute and connect to the overall quality of life of our diverse communities.

Achieving diversity in our organization and our field requires commitment from the leadership at all levels. This commitment must extend over time, with an understanding that achieving diversity is an ongoing process. Therefore, the MSO pledges to:

• Promote diversity within our board and staff

• Promote greater understanding of, and respect for, diversity in our member orchestras

• Help orchestras advance their work around diversity and inclusion, including audience, orchestra and

• Staff personnel, repertoire, young artists, boards, and governance practice.