Gateways Music Festival in association with Eastman School of Music of the University of Rochester celebrates the transformative power of Black classical artistry with Spring Festival 2025 in Rochester, NY (April 21–24) and New York City (April 24–27). At the heart of the festival is the Gateways Festival Orchestra, composed of Black professional musicians drawn from the nation’s leading orchestras and music faculties. Gateways’ back-to-back residencies culminate with finale concerts at Eastman’s Kodak Hall (April 24) and New York’s Carnegie Hall (April 27), marking 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 showcases the world premiere of a new Gateways commission from Damien Sneed, featuring mezzo-soprano J’Nai Bridges. Other festival highlights include performances by violinist Curtis Stewart (April 22 & 25), pianist Rochelle Sennet (April 21 & 26), and the Gateways Brass Collective (April 23), as well as inspiring talks, discussions, and educational initiatives (April 23 & 26).

Learn more about Gateways Music Festival here. Complete Spring Festival information is available here