Amplifying Black Voices in Classical Music: Randall Goosby Announced as 2025 MAC Music Innovator

The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra has taken a significant step in amplifying the voices of Black leaders in classical music. The organization has announced Randall Goosby as its 2025 MAC Music Innovator, a designation that recognizes and celebrates artists who embody artistic innovation and a passion for community engagement and education.

Unlocking the Potential of the Next Generation of Music Lovers and Professionals

Collaborative Residency to Inspire and Educate

With the support of the Multicultural Awareness Council, a volunteer group that supports audience engagement initiatives with the Orchestra, Goosby will collaborate with the CSO's Community Engagement, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DE&I), and Learning departments to create a distinctive residency. This residency will include educational and community engagement programs, providing a platform for Goosby to share his expertise and inspire the next generation of music enthusiasts and professionals.The residency will feature masterclasses with students from the CSO's Nouveau Program and the Cincinnati Symphony Youth Orchestras. These interactive sessions will allow Goosby to impart his knowledge and experience, fostering a deeper appreciation for classical music among the young participants.

Showcasing Diversity and Igniting Passion

Dr. Kori Hill, the Chair of the MAC, expressed the significance of the MAC Music Innovator program, stating, "The MAC Music Innovator, in name and purpose, enacts a core mission of the CSO Multicultural Awareness Council to showcase the diversity of performers within American classical music. This community-focused artist-in-residence program is an essential tool to connect with audiences and inspire the next generation of music lovers, supporters, and professional musicians in the Greater Cincinnati region."The MAC's commitment to highlighting the diverse talents within classical music is evident in their selection of Randall Goosby as the 2025 MAC Music Innovator. Goosby's impressive accolades, including the Harmony for Change Award by Midori & Friends, the 2022 Avery Fisher Career Grant, the Robey Artist by Young Classical Artists Trust in partnership with Music Masters in London, and the Sphinx Concerto Competition, underscore his exceptional artistry and dedication to the field.

Fostering Inclusivity and Empowering the Community

The MAC Music Innovator program serves as a powerful platform to amplify the voices of Black leaders in classical music, providing them with the opportunity to engage with the community and inspire the next generation of musicians. By showcasing Goosby's talent and passion, the CSO and the MAC aim to foster a more inclusive and diverse classical music landscape, where artists from all backgrounds can thrive and contribute to the richness of the art form.Through this residency, Randall Goosby will have the chance to share his unique perspective, innovative approaches, and deep commitment to community engagement. His presence will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the Greater Cincinnati region, inspiring audiences, students, and aspiring musicians alike to embrace the beauty and diversity of classical music.