News
LOCC March 2025 Update
By Jacob Gotlib, Creators Corps Program Manager
March 19., 2025
Welcome to the first edition (pun intended) of the LO Creators Corps monthly newsletter! We’re thrilled to share our creators’ exciting activities with you. The last month has been particularly jam-packed with world premieres, community events, and more.
Brittany J. Green’s Thread and Pull
January saw the world premiere of Brittany J. Green’s Thread and Pull at our “Teddy Conducts Der Kaiser von Atlantis concert.” The piece expands a series of shorter chamber pieces by Brittany – also called Thread and Pull – into a totally reimagined work scored for Der Kaiser’s specific and unusual instrumentation. The text is a translation of Ghazal 1419 by the 13th-century Persian poet Rumi and addresses making one’s way in the face of oppositional forces.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Oswald Huỳnh’s Vietnamese heritage has been a crucial source of inspiration for his work and artistic viewpoint. So, when he arrived in Louisville, he envisioned an event that could engage our city’s Vietnamese and Asian communities more broadly. On February 8, in partnership with Asia Institue Crane House, the Louisville Orchestra hosted a Lunar New Year celebration at the Americana World Community Center that featured performances by LO musicians, the Saw Peep Pan-Asian Ensemble, River Lotus Lion Dancers, and the Japan-America Society of Kentucky’s Yasakoi dancers. Audience members also enjoyed lantern-making, food from Mak-mak’s Barbecue, and drinks from DaLat’s Café.
LOCC 2025-26 Announcement
We’re thrilled to welcome Anthony R. Green and Chelsea Komschlies to the LOCC in 2025-26! We can’t wait to work with them and experience the music and projects they will develop during their time with us next season.
Recent & Upcoming Events
- February 27-March 1: Music Without Borders: Myths & Legends, featuring Brittany Green’s In the Beginning and arrangements of songs by Christella Philippe by LOCC alum Tanner Porter.
- March 7-8: Stravinsky’s Firebird, featuring the world premiere of former LOCC member Alex Berko’s Double Concerto for violin and cello.
- March 12-14: MakingMUSIC, featuring the world premiere of Oswald Huỳnh’s A Different Pond (Andrew Tran, narrator), Brittany Green’s collaboration with the LO Rap School, Take Some Time, and works by JCPS students in the LO’s Young Composers Program.
- March 27-29: Music Without Borders: Jazz Meets Orchestra, featuring the world premiere of Baldwin Giang’s leviathan.
LOCC In the Media
- Confronting oppressive systems through music with Brittany J. Green (Daniel Gilliam, Louisville Public Media)
- Louisville’s Asian communities celebrate Lunar New Year with the Louisville Orchestra (Kiana Del, Louisville Public Media)
- Louisville organizations converge to give LGBTQ+ songwriters a boost (Breya Jones, Louisville Public Media)
LOCC Alum News
- World Premiere Recording of Lisa Bielawa’s Centuries in the Hours on Leandra Ramm’s New Album Watching glass, I hear you
SoundCloud
Listen to excerpts of LOCC works written for and performed by the Louisville Orchestra at our SoundCloud.
2025-26 Season Just Announced
Teddy Abrams and Louisville Orchestra’s 2025-26: highlights include Mahler 9; world premieres from Lisa Bielawa and Creators Corps members; soloists Yuja Wang, Tessa Lark, Jonathan Biss, Anne Akiko Meyers, & Time For Three
The Louisville Orchestra and Music Director Teddy Abrams – winners of a Grammy Award for Best Classical Instrumental Solo for their collaboration with pianist Yuja Wang on her album The American Project – are thrilled to announce the lineup for their 2025–26 season. Season highlights include Wang returning to perform Ligeti’s sole Piano Concerto (Nov 21, 22); Abrams leading Mahler’s Ninth Symphony (Jan 16, 17); and the world premiere of former Creators Corps member Lisa Bielawa’s LO-commissioned Violin Concerto, written for soloist Tessa Lark, on a program with world premieres from current Creators Corps members Anthony Green and Chelsea Komschlies and Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony (Oct 24, 25). Abrams also conducts pianist Jonathan Biss in Mozart’s Ninth Piano Concerto, along with American music by Schuman, Billings, and Ives (Feb 20, 21); collaborates with the Louisville Ballet on a performance of Copland’s Appalachian Spring, on a program with another world premiere by Chelsea Komschlies and Mason Bates’s Concerto for String Trio, featuring Grammy-winning ensemble Time For Three (April 11); and leads performances of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue along with John Luther Adams’s An Atlas of Deep Time and another world premiere by Anthony Green (April 24, 25). Guest conductors in this season’s Classics Series include Robert Spano leading pianist Tony Siqi Yun in Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto, sharing the bill with music of Claude Baker and Christopher Theofanidis (Oct 4); and Grammy-winning composer Eric Whitacre conducting a program of his own music, with violinist Anne Akiko Meyers and the Louisville Chamber Choir (March 7). The season is rounded out by a fall edition of the “In Harmony” tour (Sep 11–20); a Pops Series led by Principal Pops Conductor Bob Bernhardt and others; and much more.
Abrams, who is ready to embark on his twelfth season with the orchestra, elaborates:
“The LO’s 2025-26 season is full of bucket-list orchestral works and legendary soloists that I am thrilled to bring to our community. From Mahler’s overwhelming and final 9th Symphony to the brilliant artistry of pianist Yuja Wang (triumphantly returning after our Grammy win from our last collaboration), and from our original choreography of Copland’s Appalachian Spring to the monumental An Atlas of Deep Time, this season represents the unmatched musicality, powerful expressivity, and absolute passion that defines our Louisville Orchestra. Seasons like this are meant to be enjoyed from start to finish for Louisvillians, and each program is designed to be compelling enough to warrant a visit to our city from anywhere in the world, further positioning Louisville as a major creative destination.”
“In Harmony” Tour
The September leg of the “In Harmony” tour will be the first time the tour stretches over a consecutive two-week period, and, because several of the destinations are in Kentucky’s Appalachian region, Copland’s Appalachian Spring will be prominently featured. Other variously programmed works include the “Hoe Down” from Copland’s ballet Rodeo, selections from Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings and John Adams’s Shaker Loops, inaugural Creators Corps member Lisa Bielawa’s Home, arrangements of Shaker tunes by current Creators Corps member Chelsea Komschlies, and a new work by her fellow Creators Corps composer Anthony Green. See below for more information about the Louisville Orchestra Creators Corps.
Classics and Coffee Series
For the first of the six Classics Series programs he conducts in 2025–26, Abrams leads the world premiere of Lisa Bielawa’s LO-commissioned Violin Concerto, written for soloist Tessa Lark, who previously joined the LO on one of the 2022 iterations of the “In Harmony” tour. Also on the program are world premieres from current Creators Corps members Anthony Green and Chelsea Komschlies and Beethoven’s “Pastoral” Symphony (Oct 24, 25). See below for more information about the Louisville Orchestra Creators Corps.
In 2022, Abrams’s friend and Curtis Institute classmate Yuja Wang joined the LO for the premiere of Abrams’s Piano Concerto – dedicated to her – which they also recorded live for Wang’s Grammy-winning album The American Project. In the fall, she returns for a performance of Ligeti’s sole Piano Concerto, which Gramophone praised her for playing with “sly, jazzy exuberance.” The program also includes Wang’s performance of Liszt’s Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2, and Abrams leading the LO in Bartók’s tour-de-force Concerto for Orchestra, which demands virtuosity from the entire ensemble, from the first violins to the bass trombone (Nov 21, 22).
Mahler’s symphonies have played an important part in Abrams’s tenure with the LO. His Fifth Symphony was the subject for a “Teddy Talks Mahler” concert in 2020, and when the orchestra played the “Resurrection” Symphony as its season opener in 2016–17, the Courier-Journal declared that the performance “showed the artistic muscle it takes to present such monumental music.” Leonard Bernstein, who was a mentor to Abrams’s mentor Michael Tilson Thomas, was in large part responsible for raising the profile of Mahler’s symphonies through his many performances and recordings, thus Abrams’s enthusiasm for the composer continues an important lineage of American performances. This season he conducts Mahler’s Ninth Symphony, a gigantic work lasting more than an hour whose ending is usually interpreted (though there are dissenters) as the composer’s conscious farewell to the world following the diagnosis of a fatal heart disease (Jan 16, 17).
The following month, Abrams and the LO celebrate 250 years since the founding of the United States with a program titled “Sounds of a New Nation.” They are joined by pianist Jonathan Biss – “a pianist whose probing, incisive, and deeply considered performances are consistently challenging and rewarding” (San Francsico Classical Voice) – for a performance of Mozart’s Ninth Piano Concerto, written in 1777. Also included are Charles Ives’s New England Holidays, a set of pieces by Mozart’s American contemporary William Billings, and a latter-day composition by William Schuman – the movement “Chester” from his New England Triptych –based on Billings’s music (Feb 20, 21).
A fully staged performance of Aaron Copland’s Pulitzer Prize-winning ballet, Appalachian Spring, presented in collaboration with the Louisville Ballet, will be performed in April. Choreographed in 2019 by Louisville Ballet’s then-resident choreographer, South African-born Andrea Schermoly, the ballet marked the first time new choreography had been approved by the Copland Foundation since the premiere of Martha Graham’s version in 1944. Also on the program is another world premiere composition by Creators Corps member Chelsea Komschlies, as well as Mason Bates’s Concerto for String Trio, featuring Time For Three (April 11).
In the season finale, Abrams conducts Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, the work for which his Piano Concerto for Yuja Wang was initially intended to be a companion piece before it took on a life of its own. The Gershwin showstopper will be performed along with John Luther Adams’s An Atlas of Deep Time and another world premiere by Anthony Green. Adams’s work, which premiered last year, was characterized by The Boston Globe as something of a counterpart to the composer’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Become Ocean, adding: “Adams here attempts to capture what he calls ‘the older, deeper resonances of the earth.’ The vast timbral range he creates in the orchestra envelops a listener in mesmerizing and often terrifying ways” (April 24, 25).
With the exception of the Louisville Ballet collaboration on Appalachian Spring, each of these Classics Series performances conducted by Abrams will be paired with a concert the previous day in the orchestra’s popular Coffee Series, which presents abridged versions of Classics performances, condensed into shorter, intermission-free concerts with complimentary coffee.
Guest conductors for the 2025–26 Classics Series include Robert Spano, who leads pianist Tony Siqi Yun in Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto. The concerto shares the bill with Claude Baker’s The Glass Bead Game – commissioned by the LO four decades ago and inspired by the novel of the same name by Hermann Hesse – and Christopher Theofanidis’s On the Bridge of the Eternal, about which the composer says: “It has this feeling you might get when looking at the Grand Canyon, or the night sky – that no matter what’s passing in front of you, there’s always a bigger picture” (Oct 4). In the spring, a second guest-conducted program comprises music by Eric Whitacre, with the composer on the podium, violinist Anne Akiko Meyers as soloist, and the Louisville Chamber Choir (March 7).
Louisville Orchestra Creators Corps
The Louisville Orchestra Creators Corps (LOCC) program, launched in the 2022-23 season, is the only program of its kind that deeply integrates artists into the orchestra and the city. Each year, the selected Creators move to Louisville’s Shelby Park neighborhood for the entirety of the concert season, serving as full-time LO staff members, receiving an annual salary, health insurance, housing, and custom studio workspaces and becoming immersed in the fabric of city life. The new Creators Corps members this season, Anthony Green and Chelsea Komschlies, will have their works featured throughout the season in various settings, including the “In Harmony” tour and multiple Classics and Coffee Series concerts.
Behind all the artistic endeavors of Anthony R. Green are the ideals of equality and freedom, which manifest themselves in diverse ways in a composition, a performance, a collaboration, or social justice work. As a composer, his works have been presented in over 25 countries across six continents, at venues including Symphony Space, Jordan Hall, the Milwaukee Art Museum, Elbphilharmonie, and Lincoln Center’s Hearst Plaza, amongst others. As a multidisciplinary performer, he has appeared at venues in the US, Cyprus, France, the Netherlands, the UK, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Turkey, South Korea, Brazil, and Ghana. He is also the co-founder of Castle of our Skins, the co-artistic director of the Cortona Sessions summer new music festival, and a visiting professor at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow. He has received grants from the Argosy Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and numerous foundations and consortium commissions.
The “ingratiating allure” (San Diego Story) of Chelsea Komschlies’s music blends the familiar and the strange in uncanny ways. She prioritizes perception of her music by the human brain and shared experiences among listeners. Her compositions, each a distinct fantasy world, evoke vivid multisensory imagery and a range of psycho-emotional landscapes, from whimsical nostalgia and camp to eerie disquiet, and from altered states of consciousness to glittering spiritual awe. A Ph.D. candidate in composition under Jean Lesage at McGill University, she has been honored with McGill’s Andrew Svoboda Prize for Orchestral Composition and the Research Alive Student Prize. The Fonds de Recherche du Québec further supports her thesis work on how composers can encode shared multisensory information like light, color, and texture in a science-backed way, and has recognized her as the top-ranked music research project in the province. Her work has been acknowledged and supported by the Virginia B. Toulmin Foundation, the Hermitage, Fromm, and ASCAP Foundations, among others.
Pops Series
Led by Bob Bernhardt, this season’s Pops Series includes the return of Ben Folds (Sep 5); Dolly Parton’s Threads: My Songs in Symphony, offering a multimedia symphonic journey through her legendary career, guided on screen by the singer herself (Jan 31); and “Clouds in My Coffee,” a program conducted by Ted Sperling that combines songs by Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Carly Simon (Feb 28). The Pops Series concludes with Police drummer Stewart Copeland’s reimagining of the group’s songs with full orchestra in “Police: Deranged” (April 17).
Additional performances
Three additional performances are offered in 2025–26 as exclusive first access opportunities to subscribers. “Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues,” narrated by Freeman and conducted by Broadway music director Sean Mayes, is a journey through the music, culture and legacy of the Mississippi Delta. The performance also highlights the vital role of Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, Mississippi, a cornerstone of Blues preservation (Oct 11). Conductor/composer Steve Hackman presents “Beethoven X Coldplay,” which asks the musical question: would Beethoven have found meaning in the music of Coldplay? Three world-class vocalists join the full orchestra at Paristown Hall, and Hackman alternates between conducting and playing the piano (Oct 18). Finally, two performances of “Disney’s Hocus Pocus in Concert” celebrate Halloween, with John Debney’s score for the 1993 film performed live to picture on the big screen (Oct 29, 30).
Ticket and Subscription Information
Subscribe NowJust Announced: Annual Spring Gala
with Renée Fleming
Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene with Renée Fleming
Wednesday, April 16, 2025 | 7:30 PM | Whitney Hall
LOUISVILLE, KY – The Louisville Orchestra proudly announces its highly anticipated Spring Gala Concert, Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene, featuring America’s most celebrated soprano, Renée Fleming. Led by the orchestra’s visionary Music Director Teddy Abrams, this special evening will take place on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at 7:30 PM in Whitney Hall. Tickets go on sale on Friday, January 24 at 10:00 AM. For tickets and information, visit louisvilleorchestra.org or call 502.587.8681.
Inspired by her GRAMMY Award-winning album, Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene, Renée Fleming will captivate audiences with her luminous artistry in a program celebrating the beauty and fragility of our planet. The performance will be accompanied by stunning visuals from the National Geographic Society, creating a truly immersive and unforgettable experience.
About Renée Fleming
Renée Fleming is among the most acclaimed singers of our time, with a career spanning the world’s greatest opera houses and concert stages. A five-time GRAMMY Award winner, 2023 Kennedy Center Honoree, and recipient of the U.S. National Medal of Arts, Renée has performed at iconic events, from the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony to the Super Bowl.
Her advocacy for innovation and research at the intersection of arts and health has earned her international recognition, including her groundbreaking Music and Mind initiative and collaborations with the National Institutes of Health. In addition to her unparalleled contributions to classical music, Renée has crossed genres to collaborate with artists such as Paul Simon, Sting, and Elton John. Her voice graces the soundtracks of The Shape of Water and The Lord of the Rings, further solidifying her place as a cultural icon.
Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene, celebrates the interconnectedness of humanity and the natural world through a collection of evocative songs, ranging from Handel to folk songs, original works commissioned for this project, and The Lord of the Rings. This April, Louisville audiences will have the unique opportunity to experience this breathtaking work live.
Get TicketsJust Announced: Tunes & Tales
Louisville Orchestra Expands Successful Program to Early Childhood Centers through Launch of “Tunes and Tales”
Programming made possible by a grant from the PNC Foundation
The Louisville Orchestra is thrilled to announce the launch of Tunes and Tales, an innovative music and literacy program for preschool-age children. The program is made possible by a $70,000 grant from the PNC Foundation through PNC Grow Up Great®, PNC’s $500 million, bilingual, signature philanthropic initiative to help prepare children from birth through age 5 for success in school and life. Tunes and Tales will be delivered in partnership with Community Coordinated Child Care (4-C) and Greater Louisville Head Start.
Building on the success of the Louisville Orchestra and Louisville Free Public Library’s Once Upon An Orchestra program, which features Louisville Orchestra members performing original music inspired by familiar children’s books, Tunes and Tales will bring live, interactive musical storytelling to young learners at eight early childhood centers in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods.
“This collaboration brings the artistic and educational excellence of the Louisville Orchestra, a cherished cultural institution, into early childhood centers to help enrich Louisville’s youngest learners and their educators,” said Kristen Byrd, PNC regional president for Kentucky. “All of us at PNC look forward to seeing this meaningful program come to life in our community.”
Through Tunes and Tales, the Louisville Orchestra aims to nurture early literacy and school-readiness skills in preschoolers, aligning program activities with Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) kindergarten readiness markers. Each participating class will enjoy two engaging Tunes and Tales performances featuring live music, storytelling and activities designed to foster a love for learning and music.
“Music has a profound impact on young minds, and through Tunes and Tales, we hope to inspire joy and curiosity, while supporting literacy and school preparedness,” said Sarah Lempke O’Hare, director of strategic partnerships at the Louisville Orchestra. “Thanks to the generous support of the PNC Foundation and our collaboration with 4-C and Greater Louisville Head Start, we’re able to reach young students who may otherwise have limited access to these important musical literacy teaching methods.”
In addition to student engagement, the program provides year-round professional development for 30 participating teachers, equipping them with tools to integrate music into their classrooms and support their students’ learning journeys. Teachers will benefit from workshops, resources and ongoing guidance on using music to enhance daily instruction, helping them build a foundation in music education. For more information about Tunes and Tales or to get involved, visit LouisvilleOrchestra.org or contact Sarah Lempke O’Hare, director of strategic partnerships, at sohare@louisvilleorchestra.org
Just Announced!
No Place Like Home 2024
Jack Harlow & Teddy Abrams with the Louisville Orchestra
(October 10, 2024) — Jack Harlow has announced No Place Like Home 2024: Jack Harlow and The Louisville Orchestra, a two-night collaboration with Teddy Abrams and the Louisville Orchestra. This fourth rendition of Harlow’s hometown series will take place at Louisville’s famed Whitney Hall at The Kentucky Center on November 29 and 30. Conducted by Abrams, the event will merge Harlow’s hits with the full power and energy of the orchestra. Proceeds from No Place Like Home 2024 will benefit the Louisville Orchestra, a 501(c)(3), including educational and community programs ensuring access to music for all Kentuckians.
Presale tickets are available starting Tuesday, October 15, at 10 am local time. All tickets will go on sale Thursday, October 17, at 10 am local time. Sign up for presale access HERE.
Teddy Abrams says:
“Jack Harlow is an icon and has already established himself as a Louisville legend. We’ve worked together to build a unique, incredibly special set that shows Jack’s full range of artistry. His attention to orchestrational detail and compositional form is remarkable. I’m honored to build this program with Jack for our community, and I can’t wait for Louisville to hear what we’ve been creating together!”
The joint project with a staple of the city’s music community, the Louisville Orchestra, marks an evolution in Harlow’s craft. The performance will include innovative compositions crafted by Harlow and Abrams, reimagining some of the artist’s best tracks in a genre-defying masterclass by Louisville’s finest.
The Louisville Orchestra sits at the heart of the city’s performing arts scene, offering a wide range of concert performances and educational programming for Kentucky’s communities. Since being the first orchestra to establish its own record label, First Edition Records, the Louisville Orchestra has gained international recognition for its innovative commissions. Led by Grammy Award-winning Music Director Teddy Abrams, the youngest conductor of a major U.S. orchestra, the ensemble continues to break new ground. The New York Times has praised Abrams for “breaking the mold of modern conductors,” highlighting his visionary approach to classical music.
In 2023, Harlow established The Jack Harlow Foundation to reinvest, uplift, and support organizations in his hometown of Louisville. In its first year alone, The Jack Harlow Foundation distributed more than $500,000 in funds and product donations and has continued this consistent work throughout 2024.
Harlow is currently working on a new album.
About Jack Harlow
Hailed as the “hitmaker of tomorrow” by Variety, multiple Grammy-nominated rapper, actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist Jack Harlow is one of music’s brightest stars. Harlow ascended to global superstar status thanks to hits such as “WHATS POPPIN,” “First Class,” “Industry Baby” with Lil Nas X, and most recently, the inescapable “Lovin On Me,” as well as his 3 critically acclaimed studio albums: THATS WHAT THEY ALL SAY (2020), COME HOME THE KIDS MISS YOU (2022), and Jackman. (2023).
With 3 Billboard Hot 100 #1 singles, over 11 billion global streams, 6 Grammy nominations, over 30 RIAA platinum certifications, and multiple sold-out arena tours across the world, the Louisville, KY native has already left an indelible mark on the culture and landscape of the music and entertainment industries, alike, while showing no signs of slowing down any time soon.
This event is proudly supported by Eleanor Bingham-Miller & Family, Doug & Ann Grissom, and our partners at Brown-Forman, Kroger, and Louisville Tourism.
LO Musicians Announce Successful CBA
Louisville Orchestra and Musician’s Union Announce Successful Negotiation of New Collective Bargaining Agreement, Ensuring Continued Commitment to Musical Excellence and Community Engagement
A Transformative Agreement Sets the Stage for Innovation, Growth, and Deepened Community Ties.
LOUISVILLE, KY. (August 28, 2024) – The Louisville Orchestra and the Louisville Federation of Musicians Local 11 – 637 of the American Federation of Musicians are pleased to announce the successful completion of a new 3-year Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that promises to ensure the growth of the organization and redefine its role as a cultural leader in 2024. This new accord, reached through a negotiation process marked by mutual respect and a shared vision, marks a significant step forward for both the orchestra and the broader Louisville community.
Just 13 years ago, the Louisville Orchestra’s management and its musicians faced significant challenges, culminating in a work stoppage that highlighted the deep divisions of the time. Today, in a national climate where labor relations often remain fraught with tension, these CBA negotiations stand out as a model for positive change. Thanks to a renewed commitment to collaboration based on shared objectives, the orchestra has transformed past adversities into a foundation for cooperation and innovation. This new agreement is not just a set of terms; it is a comprehensive blueprint for the future, reflecting the orchestra’s dedication to artistic excellence, diversity, community outreach, and the well-being of its members.
“This agreement represents a transformative leap forward for the Louisville Orchestra, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in our history,” said Graham Parker, Chief Executive of the Louisville Orchestra. “By working hand-in-hand with our musicians, we have crafted a visionary plan that ensures the Louisville Orchestra remains a beacon of cultural and artistic excellence. Our new collective bargaining agreement is a testament to our commitment to not only sustaining but elevating the orchestra as a destination for top talent and a cherished community institution.”
“The changes we collectively agreed upon go beyond superficial updates,” said Jonathan Mueller, Chairperson of the Louisville Orchestra Musicians Committee. “We undertook a complete, fundamental review of the entire contract, examining every word and clause to ensure they aligned with the needs of our musicians and our united vision for the future. This agreement not only honors the incredible dedication of our musicians but is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared commitment to the future growth of the Louisville Orchestra.”
The negotiation process was defined by a progressive and forward-looking approach. Through open dialogue and a commitment to mutual understanding, the Orchestra and its musician representatives successfully addressed key problems and aligned on a path forward. As a result, significant portions of the existing contract were updated to ensure that every aspect reflects the current needs and aspirations of the organization and its musicians.
The new agreement is built on a bold vision for the future, focused on four key pillars:
- Elevating the Orchestra’s National Standing: A Magnet for World-Class Talent
The agreement includes significant enhancements to compensation, health benefits, and worker protections, making the Louisville Orchestra more competitive for the world’s top talent. With pay increases of 8% in the first year, followed by a total of 9% over the following two years, along with matching contributions to the 403(b) plan and increased life and instrument insurance, the orchestra becomes an attractive destination for the world’s most accomplished musicians. This commitment to excellence will enable the Louisville Orchestra to continue drawing top-tier talent, fostering an environment where artists can build long-term, fulfilling careers while enriching the cultural landscape of Louisville.
- Embracing Artistic Excellence: A Broadening of Horizons
The Louisville Orchestra has updated its audition and hiring processes to attract and retain exceptional talent. This includes a comprehensive refreshment of the tenure process, and a more fair audition and hiring process which is designed to reduce bias and attract a broader and more diverse candidate pool. These enhancements are designed to maintain the orchestra’s commitment to artistic excellence while allowing for fresh perspectives that resonate with an evolving and diverse audience.
- Prioritizing Musicians’ Well-Being: Safeguarding Health and Longevity
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by professional musicians, the Louisville Orchestra has introduced targeted benefits that prioritize the health and well-being of its members. In partnership with the Heuser Hearing Institute, the orchestra will provide custom-fit earplugs to all musicians, safeguarding their hearing and ensuring their ability to perform at the highest levels for years to come. In addition, new guidelines for working conditions, including overtime flexibility and safety protocols, have been established to create a more supportive and sustainable work environment. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to creating a workplace that allows musicians to thrive both on and off the stage.
- Deepening Community Engagement: Music for All Corners of Kentucky
A cornerstone of the new collective bargaining agreement is the orchestra’s strengthened commitment to community engagement, with a particular focus on expanding the “In Harmony – The Commonwealth Tour of the Louisville Orchestra.” Building on lessons from past tours, the agreement has been thoughtfully revised to streamline operations and remove logistical barriers. Key improvements include updated and more flexible travel rules, increased tour-related pay and benefits, and structured services to maintain high performance standards. These changes will enable the Louisville Orchestra to bring free, world-class performances to more communities across Kentucky and expand educational initiatives aimed at nurturing the next generation of musicians. Through these efforts, the Louisville Orchestra reaffirms its mission to make music accessible to all, solidifying its role as a vital cultural resource for the entire region.
“We are united in our mission to deliver exceptional music and foster community engagement in Louisville and beyond,” said Andrew Fleischman, Board of Directors Chair. “This agreement sets the stage for a bright future where musicians and management work hand-in-hand to continue the Louisville Orchestra’s legacy of artistic excellence and innovation.”
The ratification of this collective bargaining agreement marks a defining moment in the history of the Louisville Orchestra, signaling its ongoing commitment to innovation, growth, and the transformative power of music. As the orchestra embarks on this new chapter, it does so with a renewed sense of purpose and a clear vision for the future—one that is rooted in a deep connection to its community and a steadfast dedication to artistic excellence.
“Management and labor together had a shared objective to negotiate a world-class contract for our musicians: one which rewards our musicians with compensation, benefits, and a supportive work environment. Negotiations were carried out with respect, open communication, and professional regard throughout. Both Management and the Orchestra Musicians Committee worked tirelessly and cooperatively to build bridges to understanding jointly leading to a collective vision for The Louisville Orchestra’s future,” said Anthony Minstein, President, Secretary and Treasurer of the Louisville Federation of Musicians, Local 11 – 637. “The result is an agreement that truly belongs to all and stands as a foundation for continued artistic excellence and cooperation.”
This agreement not only honors the incredible dedication of our musicians but is also a testament to the power of collaboration and shared commitment to the future growth of the Louisville Orchestra.
The Louisville Orchestra season opens on September 14 at Whitney Hall with The Planets, featuring Holst’s sonic blockbuster, and continues with programs that include Stravinsky’s Firebird, Richard Strauss’s An Alpine Symphony, Ravel’s Daphnis et Chloé Suite No. 2, and Takemitsu’s Star Isle. This 2024-2025 season will feature world-class guest artists such as Ray Chen in the Barber Violin Concerto and the legendary Midori in Sibelius’ Violin Concerto, as well as appearances by Rick Steves, Erik-Michael Estrada, Chris Kirkpatrick, and Jeff Timmons. Tickets and information are available at LouisvilleOrchestra.org.
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About the Louisville Orchestra
The Louisville Orchestra was created in 1937 and sprung up in a time of need, just after the great flood and in the wake of the depression. Robert Whitney was invited to conduct the newly established orchestra, known then as the Louisville Philharmonic, and arrived from Chicago that same year. In its formation, the goal was to create a new model for the American symphony orchestra, as it was conceived through an ambitious effort that emphasized innovation through the commissioning, performance, and recording of new works by contemporary composers. The Louisville Orchestra garnered international critical acclaim, became the first orchestra to establish a record label, and cemented a place in history for its contribution to contemporary classical music. In its first two decades, the Louisville Orchestra commissioned/recorded up to 52 new works annually and ultimately created 150 vinyl recordings (LPs) of more than 450 works.
The Louisville Orchestra continues to be recognized as a cornerstone of the Louisville performing arts community. Music Director Teddy Abrams has helmed the Louisville Orchestra since 2014, and the Louisville Orchestra has returned to its origins of commissioning new music and recording, having released two albums under the prestigious Decca Gold label. A wide variety of immersive and innovative concert performances and educational programming continue to receive national attention. Recent press coverage includes articles and mentions in The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Rolling Stone, Pitchfork, and CBS Sunday Morning. Accolades include three invitations to perform at Carnegie Hall; the Leonard Bernstein Award for Excellence in Educational Programming; the League of American Orchestras 2019 Ford Musician Awards for Excellence in Community Service; and 19 American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP) awards for adventurous programming in use of contemporary music.
Media Contacts:
Mallory Kramer
Director of Marketing Louisville Orchestra
mkramer@louisvilleorchestra.org
Anthony Minstein
President, Secretary and Treasurer Louisville Federation of Musicians Local 11 – 637
pres@louisvillemusicians.org
https://louisvillemusicians.org/
New Appointments to The Board of Directors
Orchestra adds six new leaders as it looks toward a continued future of community representation and artistic innovation
Louisville, KY – The Louisville Orchestra has announced that six outstanding community leaders – David Baughman, Rolandas T. Byrd, Michele Mitchell, Akhil Suresh Nair, Matt Watkins, and Ashli Watts – have joined its board in advance of the 2024–2025 season. Their varied and impressive backgrounds in both the for-profit and non-profit sectors, their experience, ideas, and perspectives will serve the Louisville Orchestra well in its mission to redefine the role of the orchestra in the 21st century.
Graham Parker, Chief Executive of the Louisville Orchestra, comments:
“The Louisville Orchestra has always been dedicated to serving all who call Louisville home, and with our Kentucky Tour, we are now bringing the LO to the entire Commonwealth. Our board must continue to reflect and represent the range of communities who make Louisville and Kentucky so vibrant and exciting. I am delighted to welcome our new board members to the LO family and look forward to working with them to strengthen our organization and maximize our impact.”
LO board member and Chair of the Nominating & Governance Committee Mary Ellen Wiederwohl (President & CEO of Accelerator for America) shared her enthusiasm: “The addition of these outstanding Kentuckians strengthens our board and continues to broaden the LO’s reach and perspective; I’m heartened and encouraged by their commitment.”
LO board Chair Andrew Fleischman (Partner with Kaplan Johnson Abate & Bird LLP), added:
“We are thrilled to welcome these remarkable leaders to our board. Their diverse expertise and passion for the arts will undoubtedly propel the Louisville Orchestra to new heights. Together, we will continue to innovate, inspire, and make a profound impact on our community.”
David B. Baughman
CEO of the Baughman Group
Born in 1943, David Baughman is a graduate of the University of Evansville with a bachelor’s degree in marketing, having engineering as his related field of study. A father of two sons and grandfather of four, David lived most of his life in the Highlands of Louisville restoring several old homes including Rosewell in Harrods Creek. David currently lives in a home on the Ohio River in Utica Indiana just across the East End Bridge.
Business David moved to Louisville in 1969 to go to work as a pump and seal specialist at Louisville Mill Supply Company. In eight years, he grew the business 10-fold and bought the division he headed with a loan from what was then Liberty National Bank. The new company was named Baughman Seals Incorporated or BSI. As he grew that business, he added a machine shop and a hydraulic repair company. In 1993 he bought Hancock Machine and tool and expanded his business to heavy machinery repair such as Stamping Presses, later adding Schmutz Companies and King Bearings. A lifelong entrepreneur and gearhead, he was led by friends in the medical field to found Gold Standard Orthopedics in 2001, a company that manufactures spinal implants. Pioneering work in patented bone screw design led to founding a subsidiary to manufacture small temporary titanium implants for orthodontists. In the last three years he has sold all but his first two companies, which he continues to oversee as CEO.
Civic contributions David served two terms as president of the Shipping Port Business Association during Jerry Abramson’s terms as mayor, developing a comprehensive plan for the area east of Ninth Street, which is just now being implemented. He served three terms on the board of the Main Street Association during its formative years, the years when the association worked to save and revitalize Main Street. David was an original member of the board of directors of the Frazier History Museum and since has served three terms helping to guide the museum through the transition brought about by the death of its founder Owsley Frazier. He conceived and spearheaded the museum’s sale of Buddy Thompson Final Reserve, netting over $250,000 for the museum. He bought and donated the historic truck that you see when you drive by on Main Street, and worked on the committee of the Frazier Classic, a major fund-raising event for the museum.
Music Music has been a part of David’s life from an early age. He was a gold medalist on the double bass at the Illinois State Championships in his senior year of high school. He covered the majority of his college expenses leading what today would be called a cover band, playing gigs for college parties and every Sunday night at the Evansville armory switching between bass and guitar. After moving to Louisville, he formed a band called Phoenix which played the clubs on Washington Street, but had to leave the music behind when the day job took over. Returning to the double bass at age 75, he is currently the bassist for the Louisville Mandolin Orchestra. Philanthropic endeavors include sponsoring a scholarship for double bass through Sidney King at the University of Louisville School of Music. A big fan of the Louisville Orchestra, he is currently working to endow a chair for double bass.
Other interests David is a pilot holding instrument and multi-engine ratings. He is also type rated in several vintage Warbirds, and twice a performer in Thunder Over Louisville in his T28. Taking up vintage sports car racing at age 64 he was Formula Ford National champion in 2013 at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, Texas. He also enjoys woodworking and amateur luthier work on vintage instruments. He and his life partner, Gayle Ciliberti, enjoy the arts, live entertainment, and travel.
Rolandas T. Byrd
Director of Community and Multicultural Banking, Republic Bank
Also known as Ro, Rolandas T. Byrd is the Senior Vice President and Director of Community and Multicultural Banking at Republic Bank, based in Louisville, Kentucky. He has nearly 20 years of experience in the banking industry, having held positions in Retail, Business Banking, Community Development, and Commercial Banking throughout his career.
Ro is a Louisville native who is passionate about supporting local businesses and helping them grow, which is why he serves as the Engagement Committee Chair for Louisville Independent Business Alliance. Ro graduated from the University of Kentucky with his bachelor’s degree in economics and later completed banking school through Wake Forest University.
Throughout his career, Ro has demonstrated exceptional leadership abilities and a strong commitment to driving successful outcomes. He possesses a deep understanding of community outreach and multicultural banking, consistently developing innovative strategies to effectively engage diverse communities.
Ro has been recognized for his contributions to the community and the banking industry. He was named one of Louisville Business First’s “20 People to Know in Banking” in 2019 and recognized as a “40 Under 40” honoree by Louisville Business First in 2016. He has also received a YMCA Black Achiever’s Award and was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel.
In his free time, Rolandas enjoys spending time with his family and friends along with volunteering in the community. He serves on several boards such as Kentucky Opera, LISC, and Community Engagement Advisory Board for University of Louisville. For leisure he spends time traveling, working out, and watching his Louisville Cardinals play.
Michele Mitchell
LDG Foundation, Board Member
Librarian, St. Raphael School
Office Administration, Sensible Psychiatric Services
Michele Mitchell is the Librarian for St. Raphael School and billing specialist and office assistant for Sensible Psychiatric Services. She works to instill a standard curriculum while also incorporating interdisciplinary projects to reinforce fundamental principles. She is also on the board of the LDG Foundation, where she is passionate about the mission to enrich lives and foster vibrant communities to encourage success. Her background is in sales, manufacturing, office management, and fundraising. Her work and volunteer experiences have helped her possess good management skills for organized work environments. She also has a background in music, which continues to play a very important role in her life. She is looking forward to serving on the board of the Louisville Orchestra.
Akhil Suresh Nair
Founder and CEO, Xena Intelligence
Akhil Suresh Nair is the founder & CEO of Xena Intelligence, an AI-powered e-commerce growth SaaS tool. He is a first-generation immigrant and the father of a beautiful baby girl. He moved to Louisville from Boston in 2022 after winning the prestigious Render Competition and Vogt Awards and has enabled multiple Kentucky based brands to go global thanks to the power of ecommerce technology. He is a big proponent of the arts and strongly believes that creativity in one’s personal and professional life leads to progress of mankind, and the work LO does is a cornerstone of community development in the region and is a proud supporter of it.
Matt Watkins, J.D., LL.M., CPWA®
Partner | Multi-Family Office
Cerity Partners
Matt Watkins is a Partner at Cerity Partners in Louisville. His practice focuses on clients facing complex family, financial, tax, and estate planning situations and he has more than two decades of experience advising high net worth families and business owners. Prior to joining Cerity Partners, Matt was responsible for building and ultimately managing their family office as Director, Multi-Family Office & Senior Financial Advisor at ARGI Financial Group. Preceding his time at ARGI, he was a Vice President and Senior Wealth Strategist at PNC Wealth Management, where he advised high-net-worth clients on financial planning, investments, and insurance planning. Early in his career, Matt was a transactional lawyer, focusing his practice on mergers & acquisitions, business succession planning, employee benefits, and estate planning.
As an avid supporter of the arts, Matt Watkins has long admired the Louisville Orchestra and its tremendous contributions to the community. He is committed to giving back to the Louisville community by using his skills to positively impact the organizations that serve it.
Ashli Watts
President and CEO, Kentucky Chamber
Ashli Watts was named the President and CEO for the Kentucky Chamber, the state’s largest business association, in November 2019 after serving seven years as Senior Vice President of Public Affairs. During her tenure at the Chamber, she has led efforts in passing significant pieces of legislation such as felony expungement, right to work legislation, workers’ compensation reform, unemployment insurance reform and tax reform. As part of the Chamber’s leadership team, the Kentucky Chamber was named National State Chamber of the Year in 2017. Prior to joining the Chamber, she worked at the Kentucky Bar Association and the Legislative Research Commission.
Ashli graduated from Campbellsville University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and history in 2004 and holds a master’s degree in public policy and administration from the University of Louisville. She is a 2016 graduate of Leadership Kentucky, and currently serves on the boards for Campbellsville University, Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky, University of Kentucky College of Public Health, University of Louisville President’s Advisory Council, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, National Association of State Chambers, and the American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE), where she was also named a 40 under 40 in 2020. She currently resides in Frankfort with her husband, Ryan, and two children, Emma and Carter.
The Highly Anticipated Return of the ROARchestra!
A partnership between The Louisville Zoo and Louisville Orchestra Brings Back The Popular ROARchestra! for a Wild Evening of Music and Wildlife
LOUISVILLE, Ky (May 22, 2024) – The Louisville Zoo and Louisville Orchestra are thrilled to announce the highly anticipated return of ROARchestra! on July 6 at The Louisville Zoo. Following a 15-year hiatus, this beloved family-friendly event combines the excitement of a visit to the zoo with the soul-stirring sounds of the Louisville Orchestra, creating an unforgettable experience for the whole family.
“Being able to bring back the ROARchestra for this special evening is something we are over the moon about,” said Louisville Zoo Director Dan Maloney. “It is among the top questions our staff receives. This event is loaded with nostalgia and our community have such fond memories of this great event and we hope to help them build even more memories in July with its return! We look forward to a growing partnership with The Louisville Orchestra.”
“We are excited to bring ROARchestra! back to Louisville after 15 years,” said Graham Parker, Chief Executive of the Louisville Orchestra. “This event is a testament to the incredible partnership between the Louisville Orchestra and The Louisville Zoo, offering a truly unique experience that combines the beauty of wildlife with the power of live music.”
Doors open at 7 p.m. allowing guests to explore the Zoo or get settled and the concert, conducted by Teddy Abrams, begins 8:30 p.m. in the Oasis Field under the stars. Abrams will be joined by guest vocalists Jason Clayborn and Daria Raymore with backup singers Teaira Dunn, CeCe Dunn, Latiana Clayborn. The evening will be a blend of classical masterpieces with soulful pop hits. This unique fusion promises a series of performances that will resonate with audiences of all tastes.
The concert will kick off with Leonard Bernstein’s energetic Three Dance Episodes from On the Town, setting the stage for an unforgettable musical journey. Audiences will then be immersed in the profound depths of Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, a true masterpiece that will captivate and inspire.
Prepare to be moved by the soul-stirring renditions of timeless classics by legendary artists such as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, and Lionel Richie. The incredible vocalists Jason Clayborn and Daria Raymore, along with Teaira Dunn, CeCe Dunn, and Latiana Clayborn, will take the stage, delivering powerful performances of hits like “Endless Love,” “It’s A Man’s World,” and “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.” Their extraordinary talent will leave you in awe and have you singing along all night long.
Tickets
Adults $30, Children under 12 $15, Children under 2 Free, Parking included.
Concert goers are welcome to bring their own picnic items and beverages to enjoy during the concert. Adult libations will not be permitted. Concessions will also be available for purchase. This event is expected to sell out and the Zoo and the Orchestra encourage guests to get their tickets early at www.louisvilleZoo.org/roarchestra
In Harmony Tour Continues with $4.3M in State Funding
Louisville Orchestra Secures $4.3 Million in State Funding to Continue “In Harmony – The Commonwealth Tour” for Two More Years
“In Harmony – The Commonwealth Tour of the Louisville Orchestra” to include in-depth residencies, new and returning performances, and expanded community events.
LOUISVILLE, KY. (April 16, 2024) –The Louisville Orchestra, under the visionary leadership of Music Director Teddy Abrams, is thrilled to announce the continuation of “In Harmony – The Commonwealth Tour” through 2024 to 2026, bolstered by a significant $4.3 million funding allocation from the Kentucky State Legislature. This landmark initiative, which began in 2022, has already made a profound impact, reaching over 27,000 Kentuckians across 38 counties through more than 125 events, and is now set to extend its reach further into the heart of Kentucky communities. This funding will enable the orchestra to deepen community engagement and enrich the cultural fabric across urban and rural divides throughout the state.
Senate President Robert Stivers commented, “The remarkable impact of the Louisville Orchestra’s ‘In Harmony’ tour plays a significant role in bridging the rural-urban divide. This initiative extends beyond entertainment; it is a vehicle for education, cultural enrichment, and community cohesion. By supporting the continuation of this tour, we are investing in the cultural wealth of our commonwealth, reinforcing our commitment to enhancing the lives of Kentuckians through the arts. It’s initiatives like these that showcase the Bluegrass’ rich artistic heritage and pave the way for a future where everyone can participate and draw inspiration in the beauty of orchestral music.”
House Speaker David Osborne remarked, “The continued success of ‘In Harmony – The Commonwealth Tour’ represents a unique investment in our state’s culture, improving quality of life and enriching our communities. The Louisville Orchestra’s initiative is a testament to the power of the arts in bringing Kentuckians together and reminding us that we have a great deal to take pride in and celebrate. We are pleased to allocate funding that will not only extend this valuable program but also amplify its reach to more communities, ensuring that every Kentuckian has the opportunity to experience this incredible asset to our Commonwealth.”
A Tour of Unprecedented Scope and Impact
“In Harmony” has redefined the concert experience, bringing the full force of the Orchestra’s talent to diverse settings—from schools to community centers—and illuminating the shared heritage of Kentucky’s communities. The tour, which kicked off in November 2022, has already seen remarkable success hosting 18 free full orchestra performances to over 16,000 attendees. Highlights have included unique collaborations with Kentucky’s own talent, including Grammy Award-winning Michael Cleveland & The Flamekeepers, mandolin virtuoso Chris Thile, and violinist Tessa Lark showcasing both the rich musical heritage of the Commonwealth and the versatile prowess of the Orchestra.
Not only showcasing the full presentation of orchestral performances, “In Harmony” demonstrates a comprehensive and engaging approach to community partnerships through intimate school engagements, master classes, and ensemble performances at community centers and libraries. The tour highlights a remarkable journey of cultural enrichment and education across 53 unique Kentucky zip codes. With a total of 109 events and 10,000 attendees, the tour emphasized educations engagement through 45 services in school and educational institutions. The innovative “Once Upon an Orchestra” program was a hit, presented 35 times in Kentucky libraries blending music with storytelling. Additionally, 29 public and private performances were held across the state connecting with assisted living communities, veteran centers, and public gathering centers. The Orchestra’s commitment to engaging diverse audiences, educational initiatives, and hosting community events has been widely recognized.
“We are thrilled and immensely grateful to be able to continue to impactful work throughout the Commonwealth,” says Sarah Lempke O’Hare, Louisville Orchestra Director of Community Partnerships. “This funding gives us the opportunity to continue engagement work we have uniquely developed with each community while continuing to provide orchestra concerts that offer a place of joy and healing for Kentuckians.”
Community leaders and audience members have expressed their profound appreciation for the tour’s impact. Gwen Johnson, Director of the Hemphill Community Center shared, “Our somewhat forgotten community was encouraged to believe that someone cares enough to bring their talent to us. The concert was a “classical first-even” experience for us in our community.” These testimonials reinforce the significance of the Orchestra’s mission to bring music to diverse audiences.
The Path Ahead: Expanding Horizons
Thanks to the generous support from the Kentucky state legislature, the Louisville Orchestra has received $4.3 million in continued funding secured for 2024–2026. This financial support is crucial in realizing the tour’s objectives and ensuring its continued success.
“With this extraordinary new appropriation from the General Assembly, we can build on what we started and we can expand our reach, our impact and our relationships,” says Graham Parker, Chief Executive of the Louisville Orchestra. “We want to thank the leadership in the General Assembly, specifically President Stivers and Speaker Osbourne, for their unwavering and enthusiastic support for our tours. Without their partnership, none of our dreams would have come true.”
With the continued support of the Kentucky state legislature, the Louisville Orchestra embarks on an ambitious new chapter of the “In Harmony” tour. Under the baton of Teddy Abrams and Resident Conductor Gabriel Lefkowitz, the Louisville Orchestra will introduce in-depth residencies during touring weeks, enhancing community involvement and educational opportunities. These residencies are designed to foster even closer ties with communities, facilitating meaningful interactions and collaborative initiatives. Funding will also allow for the purchase of a mobile stage, breaking down a barrier of access and providing the opportunity to reach even deeper into communities. The tour will continue to showcase local culture and musical heritage with Kentucky-born guest artists and performances scheduled in various regions of Kentucky, to be announced in May.
The focus will be on expanding musical outreach, deepening community connections, and delivering unforgettable experiences. The future tour schedule is thoughtfully crafted to include a mix of new and returning locations, ensuring that the Orchestra’s message of hope, joy, and unity reaches every corner of the Commonwealth. Through these visits, the Orchestra aims to reinforce established connections and forge new ones, celebrating Kentucky’s diverse cultural landscape through music.
Reflecting on the past tours, Music Director Teddy Abrams shared his excitement for the future, stating, “The past two years of touring the Commonwealth of Kentucky have been transformative and affirming for the Louisville Orchestra and for me as an artist. We believe that this work is the core function of a modern cultural institution, and it has become our dream to continue this program far into the future.”
The Louisville Orchestra invites all to be part of this ongoing musical journey. Details on concert dates, community engagement opportunities, and ways to support this vital initiative can be found at LouisvilleOrchestra.org/InHarmonyTour. Join us as we continue to harness the power of music to foster community cohesion, cultural appreciation, and a unified Kentucky.
Yuja Wang, Teddy Abrams, and The Louisville Orchestra Win First GRAMMY for The American Project
Louisville, KY (February 4, 2024) — The Louisville Orchestra, under the baton of Music Director Teddy Abrams, won the award for “Best Classical Instrumental Solo” at the 2024 GRAMMYs, showcasing their collaboration with world-renowned pianist Yuja Wang on her album The American Project. This landmark achievement was announced at today’s GRAMMY Awards ceremony, marking a significant milestone in the Orchestra’s illustrious history with its first ever GRAMMY win. The American Project was released on Deutsche Grammophon, the oldest and most prestigious classical record label in the world.
The American Project is an ambitious and innovative album that combines the rich musical heritage of America with the virtuosic talent of Yuja Wang, under the creative guidance of composer and conductor Teddy Abrams. This award-winning performance has been praised for its artistic excellence, innovation, and contribution to the classical music landscape. The Piano Concerto at the center of this album was written by Teddy Abrams for his Curtis classmate and close friend, Yuja Wang. Initially intended as a companion piece to Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, the work evolved in scope during the composition process to become a masterpiece in its own right. The Piano Concerto is inspired by multiple musical stylistic sources and offers Yuja a singular virtuosic showcase of her unending talents.
“First, a huge congratulations to the incredible Yuja Wang, who soloed on this extraordinary album and is one of the most talented musicians in the world right now,” Abrams said during the Premiere Ceremony. “A giant congratulations to all of my colleagues at the Louisville Orchestra – an orchestra that is famous for its innovation, for putting out so many albums of living composers since it was founded in 1937. I am so proud of everyone at the orchestra, to the people of Louisville and to everybody that made this all happen. Thank you very, very much.”
Graham Parker, Chief Executive of the Louisville Orchestra, expressed his elation: “We are thrilled to have been a part of the 2024 GRAMMY Awards, and this win is a testament to the hard work, creativity, and passion of our musicians, staff and board. This accolade is a beacon of artistic achievement and recognition on the global stage. We are immensely proud of Teddy Abrams, Yuja Wang, and everyone involved in making The American Project a resounding success.”
The Louisville Orchestra’s Grammy win not only highlights the exceptional talent within the Orchestra but also reinforces its reputation as a leading force in the world of classical music. Starting in the 1940s with the First Edition Records, the Louisville Orchestra is one of the leading commissioners of orchestral new music, with over 500 commissions from such luminaries as Elliot Carter, Chou-Wen Chung, Alberto Ginastera, Witold Lutoslawski, and other 20th century luminaries. The Orchestra’s commitment to innovation, community engagement, and artistic excellence continues to resonate with audiences both locally and internationally.
This GRAMMY Award is a milestone in the Louisville Orchestra’s journey, and it paves the way for future artistic endeavors and collaborations. The Orchestra extends its heartfelt thanks to its supporters, patrons, and the Louisville community for their unwavering support. The commission of the Piano Concerto by Teddy Abrams for Yuja Wang was underwritten by a generous grant from Justus and Elizabeth Schlichting.
