Mind the Gap! Inspiration Day
During the Mind the Gap! inspiration day, we’ll share inspiring and successful examples from the classical music sector. Together, we’ll explore how the classical music world can become more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming to everyone.
The Inspiration Day brings together professionals from the sector to exchange ideas, experiences, and perspectives and to inspire one another. In breakout sessions, we will address specific challenges, share experiences and examples, and explore how the classical music world can become more accessible, inclusive, and welcoming for everyone. Detailed information about the program can be found below.
The Inspiration Day is part of the Mind the Gap! Festival. This edition focuses on Black composers from Europe, America, and Africa: composers from the past and present who have helped shape classical music but have been underrepresented in concert halls.
Who is it for?
The Inspiration Day is for professionals - such as management, programmers, education staff, marketers, HR staff, musicians, and D&I managers - working in classical music or at other cultural institutions focused on inclusivity and diversity.
Order your tickets now
The price for attending the inspiration day and the reception afterward is €45.
PLEASE NOTE: At the end of the ordering process, please indicate which breakout session you prefer: Programming, Education, Marketing, or Human Resources.
Optional: Dinner and Concert
After the inspiration day, you can dine at LIER, the Concertgebouw’s restaurant, and then attend the concert by the Chineke! Orchestra conducted by Joseph Young. The program features works by Price and Coleridge-Taylor. Seating at LIER is very limited, so please book early. The cost is €45 for the three-course dinner, including a free ticket to the concert. It is also possible to attend the concert only for €10. You can book the dinner and/or concert by adding these options during the ordering process.
Programme
1:30 – 2:00 PM: Doors open
2:00 – 3:00 PM: Plenary session, featuring contributions from Rebeca Omordia (pianist and cultural innovator), Jonathon Heyward (chief conductor of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Chineke! Orchestra, English spoken), Marco de Souza (Director of the Amsterdam Music School), and Ellen Alvares (B! Music School). Moderator: Natasja Gibbs.
3:00 – 3:20 p.m.: Break
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.: Breakout sessions
- Programming: panel discussion with Leon Bosch (double bassist, conductor, and teacher), Ronald Snijders (flutist), and Shirley J. Thompson (composer, conductor, and violinist). Moderator: Aldith Hunkar. The language of this breakout session is English.
- Education: online keynote (English spoken) by Natasha Hendry (research psychologist specializing in music, well-being, and social justice), followed by an interactive segment with contributions from Ellen Alvares (B! Music School), Caecilia Thunnissen (Oorkaan), and Jacco Minnaard (Leerorkest). Moderator: Priya Keet.
- Audience & Marketing: presentation by Mohamed Aadroun and Nienke van Beers (Amsterdam Andalusian Orchestra), followed by an interactive discussion. Moderator: Job Noordhof (The Concertgebouw).
- Human Resources: interactive knowledge session on Identity & Connection led by Raisa Sambo (project lead for Amsterdam Diverse & Inclusive at the City of Amsterdam).
4:30 – 5:00 PM: Plenary closing session
4:45 – 6:00 PM: Reception
