PSO Commitment to Diversity

The Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra believes that fostering an environment that is equitable, diverse, and inclusive is essential to our mission of providing high-quality symphonic music to the seacoast community. We commit to learn, grow, and reflect, and to actively give voice and representation to diverse artistry and perspectives.  

This statement was adopted by the Portsmouth Symphony Orchestra Board of Directors on February 19, 2025 and represents our ongoing commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.  We acknowledge that this work will take time and accountability. We recognize the complex history surrounding some of the artists in the genre and emphasize that the views and opinions of any individual, artist, or composer may not be representative of the views of the PSO.

How has the PSO advanced equity for its musicians and audience members? 

Striving for equality in gender representation. Over half of PSO musicians identify as female, a ratio that far outweighs most other orchestras. As of 2025, our Board of Directors is currently 45% female-identifying and 55% male-identifying.

Reconsidering what “traditional orchestral dress” is. Traditionally orchestral musicians have been expected to don white tie and tails for men, and long black gowns or pantsuits for women. The PSO has adopted a gender neutral concert dress code instead, asking all musicians to simply wear head-to-toe black.

Placing economic accessibility at the forefront of its educational program priorities. The PSO believes that quality educational opportunities should be available to all, regardless of racial, economic, or cultural background. That’s why it was a facet of our 2017 Strategic Planning and why we continue to focus on visiting Title I schools at no cost, provide and offer low-cost chamber music performances, and offering free tickets to our Main Stage and Holiday Pops! concerts to organizations like the Chase Home and Arts In Reach.

Featuring diverse soloists. The orchestra has worked to showcase the voices of artists from underrepresented communities, and over the past 10+ years, 75% of soloists have come from diverse backgrounds.

Championing works by composers from underrepresented communities. Since 2021, the PSO has more than doubled its number of diverse program choices.

How can the PSO continue to grow?

Actively amplifying the voices of those from marginalized communities. The PSO recognizes the importance of representation not only in its programming choices, but also in the soloists and musicians we feature. We commit to continue raising up the voices of diverse composers and performers.

Representing the community that we serve. In 2024, the PSO began conducting surveys of audiences, board members, and musicians on selected demographics. In order to effectively meet our goal to represent at least the community that we serve and the needs within that community, it is vital that we know where we are starting from. The PSO has a goal to assume the role of a cultural leader in the community, representing the different cultures and voices that can be found in the seacoast.

Strengthening partnerships with community organizations. The seacoast is home to many wonderful organizations that are paving the way for a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive community. We commit to strengthening relationships with organizations who offer alternate perspectives.

Continuing to broaden accessibility. We commit to listen and respond to the needs of our community. The PSO’s mission is to entertain, educate, and encourage the audiences of today and tomorrow, regardless of ability, creed, race, gender, sexual orientation, or politics.