Redefining The Players
African-Americans account for approximately 13 percent of America’s population and, in some cases, represent close to 50 percent of the population within certain cultural centers. However, many in the African-American community have not considered themselves invited into the arts in those cultural centers. It is a commonly asserted that blacks will not attend concerts unless there are more African-Americans on stage. An approach is necessary to address the glaring absence of minority participation and attendance. It requires increasing the number of black musicians and composers while simultaneously developing an appreciative minority audience that is able and willing to support the arts.
Since our inception in 2002, the Ritz Chamber Players have worked to redefine perceptions within both the traditional and minority communities regarding participation in classical music. The Ritz Chamber Players’ concert series provides a visual reference for concertgoers to see, first-hand, accomplished musicians of African descent. Our outreach initiatives further engage and deepen the minority community’s understanding and appreciation of the arts.
We are committed to the principles that the creative arts are essential to the full development of individuals. All people should be allowed to express themselves creatively. The performing arts have a unique and important power to communicate with all people, regardless of ethnicity, age or perceived abilities. We strive to encourage and celebrate life-long learning of the arts though outreach initiatives, with a focus on attaining cultural diversity on our concert stages and in our audiences.
