Gateways Festival Orchestra returns to Carnegie Hall on April 27, crowning week-long celebration of Black classical artistry

Gateways Music Festival returns to New York City with a celebration of the transformative power of Black classical artistry April 24-27.

After launching with a series of concerts and conversations in Rochester, New York, on April 21, Spring Festival 2025 lands in Manhattan for performances, lectures and masterclasses from April 24 to April 27, rounding out the week-long event.

Gateways Festival Orchestra

At the heart of the festival is the Gateways Festival Orchestra, composed of Black professional classical musicians drawn from the nation’s leading orchestras and music faculties. Gateways’ finale concert at Carnegie Hall (April 27) marks the orchestra’s highly anticipated first return to the venue since its historic, sold-out debut in 2022.

Led once again by conductor Anthony Parnther, this season’s finale program complements folk-inspired symphonies by Antonín Dvořák and William Levi Dawson with the New York premiere of a new Gateways commission from Damien Sneed, featuring Grammy-winning mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges.

Other festival highlights include solo recitals by Grammy-nominated violinist Curtis Stewart and pianist Rochelle Sennet; inspiring talks, discussions, and educational initiatives; and performances by the Gateways Brass Collective. Spring Festival 2025 is presented in association with the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music.

“Gateways isn’t just a festival—it’s a home. A place where Black classical musicians bring their full selves to the stage, and where audiences can come together to listen, connect, and celebrate” said Gateways Music Festival President & Artistic Director, Alex Laing.

“This April, we invite everyone to come out, see world class artists, and be part of a cultural moment. Whether it’s your first festival, or you never miss one, if classical music has been part of your life for decades or you’re experiencing it for the first time, Gateways Spring Festival promises to challenge, inspire, and uplift.”

Schedule

April 21–24: Rochester, NY

Mon, April 21 at 7:30pm
Eastman School of Music
Hatch Recital Hall
Recital: Rochelle Sennet, piano
Rep TBA
(Presented in collaboration with George Walker Center for Equity and Inclusion)
Admission: $10-$15

Tues, April 22 at 7:30pm
Eastman School of Music
Hatch Recital Hall
Recital: Curtis Stewart, violin
VIVALDI / Curtis STEWART: Seasons of Change
Admission: $20

Wed, April 23 at 12:15pm
Hochstein Performance Hall
Gateways Brass Collective: “Live at Hochstein”
Admission: Free with RSVP

Wed, April 23 at 6:00pm
Eastman School of Music
Hatch Recital Hall
Paul J. Burgett Lecture and Community Conversation:
Celebrating William Levi Dawson’s legacy with word, song, and conversation
Lecture: Dr. Louise Toppin (University of Michigan)
Vocal performance: Amber Rogers, soprano
Panel discussion
(Presented in collaboration with William Levi Dawson Institute for Classical and Folk Music at Tuskegee University)
Admission: Free with RSVP

Thurs, April 24 at 7:30pm
Eastman School of Music
Kodak Hall at Eastman Theatre
Gateways Festival Orchestra / Anthony Parnther
DVOŘÁK: Symphony No. 8
Damien SNEED: Reflections of Resilience: Five Spirituals (world premiere of Gateways commission)
(with J’Nai Bridges, mezzo-soprano)
DAWSON: Negro Folk Symphony
Admission: $20-$30

April 24–27: New York, NY

Thurs, April 24 at 4:00pm–6:00pm
Harlem School of the Arts
Gateways Brass Collective
Masterclasses, mentorship, and performance for students
Private Event

Fri, April 25 at 7:30pm
Merkin Hall
Curtis Stewart, violin (2024-25 Kaufman Music Center Artist-in-Residence)
VIVALDI / Curtis STEWART: Seasons of Change
Curtis STEWART: Selections from American Caprices (world premiere)
(Presented with Kaufman Music Center)
Admission: $30

Sat, April 26 at 10:00am–2:00pm
Carnegie Hall
Resnick Education Wing
William Levi Dawson Symposium: A Paul J. Burgett Lecture and Community Conversation
Celebrating William Levi Dawson’s legacy with word, song, and conversation.
Lectures: Drs. Louise Toppin (University of Michigan), Wayne Barr (Tuskegee University), & Yi Cheng (Tuskegee University)
Vocal recital: Amber Rogers, soprano
Panel discussion
(Presented in collaboration with William Levi Dawson Institute for Classical and Folk Music at Tuskegee University)
Admission: Free with RSVP

April 26 at 3:00pm–5:00pm
Carnegie Hall
Weill Music Institute
Spring 2025 Young Musicians Institute: Masterclasses
Members of Gateways Festival Orchestra
Admission: By Invitation Only

Sat, April 26 at 7:30pm
Harlem School of the Arts
Recital: Rochelle Sennet, piano
Rep TBA
Admission: $10-$20

Sun, April 27 at 2:00pm
Carnegie Hall
Stern Auditorium / Perelman Stage
Gateways Festival Orchestra / Anthony Parnther
DVOŘÁK: Symphony No. 8
Damien SNEED: Reflections of Resilience: Five Spirituals (New York premiere of Gateways commission)
(with J’Nai Bridges, mezzo-soprano)
DAWSON: Negro Folk Symphony
Admission: $23–$84

About the Gateways Festival

Gateways Music Festival celebrates Black classical artistry and enlightens and inspires communities through the power of performance.

Founded in Winston-Salem, North Carolina in 1993 by noted concert pianist Armenta Hummings Dumisani, the festival was brought to Rochester, New York in 1995 when Hummings Dumisani joined the Eastman School of Music faculty. Approximately 125 musicians – comprising players in major symphony orchestras, faculty from renowned music schools and conservatories, and active freelance artists – participate in each festival.

For more information on the festival and line-up, visit their website.