Black Orchestral Network (BON) 2026 Summit

The Black Orchestral Network Summit is back in Atlanta! Join us on October 17, 2026, from 9 AM–5 PM at Atlanta Music Project for a powerful day of connection, conversation, and cultural celebration. This is a gathering that places Black artistry and leadership in classical music front and center.

This year’s Summit brings together people from across the orchestral industry, with Black artistry, experiences, and leadership at the center. Students, emerging professionals, veteran artists, administrators, institutional leaders, educators, allies, and more will convene for a full day of masterclasses, panel conversations, live performance, and community.

Expect substantive discussion about the challenges facing our industry, solution-based conversations, and real space to build relationships with people working across concert stages, pit orchestras, recording studios, institutions, and beyond.

The Summit is part of BON's ongoing work to move the Black orchestral field from momentum to permanence We are building a network, a body of research and advocacy, and a public record of Black orchestral excellence that lasts.

What to expect:

• A full day of programming: panel conversations, a masterclass track, and a dedicated live performance
• BON's Impact and Legacy Award presentation, honoring a figure whose work has shaped the field
• Community and networking time built into the day — this is a room, not a webinar
• A recorded segment for Black Music Seen, BON's storytelling platform and living archive of Black orchestral musicians

Who should attend: The BON Summit is for everyone: musicians, administrators, educators, students, industry professionals, and allies. And when we say orchestral, we mean the full breadth of our industry, from concert stages and pit orchestras to recording studios and beyond.

This year, we’re introducing a small $20 registration fee to help us plan more accurately, reduce no-shows, and minimize food waste. Registration includes breakfast, lunch, all-day coffee and tea, and a surprise gift.

If you’re under 26, or if the registration fee would be a barrier, you’re welcome to register at no cost. We want everyone to be able to join us.