The classical music world in general, and orchestras in particular, are steeped in centuries-old traditions. Yet most American orchestras strive actively to nurture creativity and innovation, factors that are crucial to sustaining the art form, as well as the institutions themselves.How do orchestras balance tradition and innovation?How do classically trained musicians and composers straddle genres?How has changing technology shaped how artists think about music, how they are trained, and how we experience it?
Keynote: Michael Tilson Thomas, Music Director, San Francisco Symphony, in conversation with Brent Assink, Executive Director, San Francisco Symphony
Spotlight #1: Mason Bates (a.k.a. DJ Masonic), composer, in conversation with John Adams, composer, moderated by Mark Clague
Spotlight #2: Margo Drakos, cellist and Chief Operating Officer, InstantEncore, in conversation with... show more

The classical music world in general, and orchestras in particular, are steeped in centuries-old traditions. Yet most American orchestras strive actively to nurture creativity and innovation, factors that are crucial to sustaining the art form, as well as the institutions themselves.How do orchestras balance tradition and innovation?How do classically trained musicians and composers straddle genres?How has changing technology shaped how artists think about music, how they are trained, and how we experience it?
Keynote: Michael Tilson Thomas, Music Director, San Francisco Symphony, in conversation with Brent Assink, Executive Director, San Francisco Symphony
Spotlight #1: Mason Bates (a.k.a. DJ Masonic), composer, in conversation with John Adams, composer, moderated by Mark Clague
Spotlight #2: Margo Drakos, cellist and Chief Operating Officer, InstantEncore, in conversation with special guest TBA, moderated by Steven Winn, San Francisco arts journalist and criticÂ
Roundtable: Spotlight speakers in conversation with Mark Clague and Steven Winn
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Please note: This three-hour event is comprised of multiple sessions, with breaks in between.
For more information, visit symphonyforum.org.
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