As it is currently, the classical music world is still a predominately white space. Historically, classical music was discussed through the lens of status, hierarchy, and social class; however, it has been slow to acknowledge how these forces have shaped the racial landscape of classical music. Ayden used the PRJC grant to conduct archival research in Boston to use in their book titled Orchestrating Whiteness: Arthur Fiedler, Serge Koussevitzky, and the Boston Symphony Orchestra. This research will enhance Ayden’s understanding of the history of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and focuses on diversity, equity, and inclusion. With this knowledge, Ayden can contextualize the thinking of the Boston Symphony Orchestra and how it has supported systemic whiteness in orchestral settings up and through the 20th century.
