Great performers are obviously present in either gender and all colors and they can be players of any instrument. In the light of this protest against the racist and sexist policy of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, all who perform, compose, educate, publish and produce music also need to think again about what music is presented and taught. Including women and people of color in all forms of musical activity is an ethical and conscious choice to be made by all concerned. It is particularly incumbent on established musical organizations such as the Vienna Philharmonic, other established orchestras and institutions of higher education throughout the world to awaken to the effort of inclusiveness. This calls out for a reorganization of musical repertoire and more opportunities for composers to create new repertoire and for performers to play it and teach it.
Ethics guide choices and raise consciousness.
It is all too easy to continue an unethical tradition of exclusion without question. Music is the coordinating and synchronizing influence in all societies. It is obvious that integration has to take place through music and in the way music is taught and presented. IAWM Distribution List , links to recent discussions online regarding the VPO's exclusionary policies. The VPO Watch web site, a primary source of VPO protest information .