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    The sound expanded. The story continues.

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GATEWAYS EVENTS

  • GATEWAYS BRASS COLLECTIVE AT DISNEY’S THANKSGIVING PARADE OF BANDS

    THU. NOV 26 | 12:00 PM ET
    Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL
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    The Gateways Brass Collective continues its national performance and education work at Walt Disney World Resort’s Thanksgiving Parade of Bands.

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  • LIVESTREAM: GATEWAYS FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA - Dvořák’s Eighth Symphony

    TUES. DEC 1 | 8:00 PM ET
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    Gateways Festival Orchestra performs Dvořák’s Symphony No. 8 from Kodak Hall at Eastman School of Music.

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  • LIVESTREAM: GATEWAYS FESTIVAL ORCHESTRA - Celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

    THU. JAN 14 | 7:30 PM ET
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    The Gateways Festival Orchestra performs Cockerham's Fantasia on “Lift Every Voice and Sing” in tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

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  • LIVESTREAM: BLACKSOUND

    MON. FEB 8 | 7:30 PM ET
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    Presented by award-winning musicologist and Stanford professor Dr. Matthew D. Morrison, this thought-provoking lecture examines Black expression across classical music and other Western musical traditions

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  • 2026 GATEWAYS FALL FESTIVAL

    OCTOBER 9–12
    Rochester, NY

    Celebrating the depth, range, and expanding possibilities of Black artistry in classical music. Explore the artists, programs, and moments that made the 2026 Fall Festival unforgettable.

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our story

Since 1993, Gateways Music Festival has celebrated the extraordinary artistry of Black classical musicians, bringing artists and audiences together through performances, education, and a vibrant community rooted in excellence and fellowship.

Through festivals, ensembles, broadcasts, and educational programs, Gateways continues to expand the sound—and the story—of classical music.

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Black Classical Artistry

Your gift supports extraordinary performances, opportunities for Black classical musicians, and the next generation of artists.

The future sounds like Gateways. And your generosity makes it possible.

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THANK YOU TO OUR INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORTERS

Gateways Music Festival is grateful to the following institutions for their generous support and belief in Gateways’ important mission.

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The audience came ready to listen—and just as ready to learn. 🙋🏾‍♀️ At the 2026 Gateways Fall Festival, pianist Ric’key Pageot brought Classic Black to Eastman’s Kilbourn Hall, guiding audiences through three centuries of mus
Make no mistake. Our voices matter. Bring the wisdom of our ancestors with you. AND VOTE. 🗳️ 👊🏾
Sometimes the most unforgettable Gateways moments are the most unconventional. 💚 At the 2026 Gateways Fall Festival, Shana Tucker brought ChamberSoul to Eastman’s Kilbourn Hall—her singular blend of cello, voice, jazz, soul, storytellin
Let us let you in on a little-known secret 🤫 Some of the best moments at Gateways happen between the notes! 😉 The hugs. The reunions. The introductions that turn into long conversations. The friends who came together, the sisterfriends who brought
Let it be known: the 2026 Gateways Fall Festival turned Hatch Recital Hall into a SANCTUARY.😮‍💨🙌🏾 Through spirituals, classical repertoire, gospel, jazz, and contemporary sacred music, Queen of the Violin Kersten Stevens, trumpeter Herb Smit
One week ago tonight, we opened the 2026 Gateways Fall Festival by honoring 40 years of artistry, mentorship, and musical legacy. 🎻 Violist George Taylor took the stage at Eastman School of Music surrounded by friends, colleagues, and fellow Gatew
What happens when a classically trained cellist refuses to let her artistry stay in one lane? Shana Tucker calls it ChamberSoul—her signature blend of classical, jazz, soul, folk, and pop, brought to life through cello, voice, storytelling, a