dear friends,

Today, it seems impossible to find reasons to rise up in song.

As a nation, we mourn George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and the countless black lives cut short by structural racism. And while the world grapples with COVID-19, we are reminded that systemic inequality has left black and brown Americans at the highest risk.

But in times of crisis, this country has always relied upon art to unite, to heal, and to inspire change. And as an institution, we believe in that power more than ever.

The New York Pops does not condone violence of any kind. We pledge to amplify the voices of all members of our community – especially when they need our support the most.

And as representatives of The New York Pops, our entire team has heeded that call. As Oscar Hammerstein II once wrote, “you’ve got to be carefully taught to hate and fear”. So we pledge to promote greater empathy and understanding across all our platforms, onstage and off, to create a world where black lives truly matter. With our eyes and our hearts fully open, we look forward to fulfilling the vision of Sam Cooke, who promised that “a change is gonna come”.

–Steven Reineke, Music Director and Conductor
The New York Pops