JAVS Spring 2022

but also necessary. During my 60 orbits around the sun, I realized that it was not so long ago that many bands and orchestras did not even permit women to join their ranks. Many religious musical venues still actively rail against our diversity, permitting hate to flourish, often disguised as “religious freedom.” Discrimination takes many forms, but none of these forms deserve respect or undue consideration. How much culture falls through the cracks in the name of shabby prejudices, ignorance, and fear?

expression, enabling all of us to make our contributions to our culture. Arts and music are for all, and by all. Life and music are usually inseparable for me. One always feeds the other. Life without music would be a mistake. composers, performers, and advocates of viola repertoire, we aim to celebrate diversity—diversity in style, in perspectives, in the very life that influences the music all around us. As Marek said, “embracing diversity in the arts is not only beneficial, but also necessary.” It is not enough to simply know that these Conclusion In highlighting living

differences exist. We regularly celebrate the uniqueness of our instrument and the distinctiveness of our repertoire. Now we commit a space to celebrate those weaving our colorful tapestry alongside us.

While some people choose to close their hearts and minds, or choose to stick their heads in the sand, based upon fear or hatred, our diverse community continues boldly to take up the challenge. I feel that knowledge, facts, and open well-intentioned discourse are all important to understanding the diverse nature not only of the human experience, but also of the world around us, which in turn is key to progress. Silence is not golden. Discuss. Talk. Listen. Learn. Widespread discrimination and underrepresentation are still rampant in so many areas and venues, and to what end? Diversity is key to the health of a culture. I find the more diverse the music and artists, the better. As an openly gay composer, I think it’s crucial for all musicians and artists to be given our freedom of

Notes 1 All pictures courtesy of Marek Harris.

2 You can hear Marek Harris’ Duo Sonata #3 for Violin and Viola at the 2022 American Viola Society Festival & 47 th International Viola Congress in Colombus, Georgia.

Journal of the American Viola Society / Vol. 38, No. 1, Spring 2022

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