Hailed as “one of the most innovative and exciting percussion ensembles to emerge in the golden age of chamber music” (Jonathan Haas, New York University) for their immersive sound world, the New York City-based Excelsis Percussion quartet is an international group of women with a multilingual combination of five languages speaking the universal language of rhythm. Excelsis brings vibrancy into the percussion community through eclectic programming, innovative storytelling, and embracing their intersectional identities. 

Terra String Quartet is a vibrant young ensemble based in New York City making a name for themselves internationally. Praised for their “remarkable maturity and musicality” and “superb ensemble playing” (Hyde Park Herald, Chicago), these four musicians hail from across the globe and, through their unique individuality as artists, are committed to infusing the string quartet with equal parts passion, spontaneity, and humor.  

Rewriting centuries’ worth of rules in brass repertoire seems a revolutionary undertaking. But the boundless and boisterous stylistic explorations of tenThing, coupled with impeccable tone, technique, and versatility, have transformed this all-female Norwegian brass ensemble into an international sensation.  

Musicians from the prestigious New England Conservatory combine to present a wide range of repertoire, teaching students lessons about history, teamwork, and dedication along the way. 

This dynamic storyteller breathes life into traditional and contemporary tales from African and African-American traditions, weaving in music performed on traditional African instruments. Meticulously researched and told with flair, Alston’s stories transport young people to other cultures and other times and provide unforgettable lessons in history that translate easily into classroom connections. 

Collage Dance Collective works to inspire the growth of ballet by showcasing a repertoire of relevant classical and contemporary choreography with a diverse company of world-class dancers. Founded in New York, the company relocated to Memphis in 2007 to take part in the city’s exciting artistic renaissance and to fulfill its mission of extending the reach of outstanding classical ballet. The company works to increase access to ballet training, increase diversity on professional ballet stages, and increase participation by people of color at ballet and other fine arts events.

Dance Theatre of Harlem tours nationally and internationally, presenting a powerful vision for ballet in the 21st century. The 18-member, multi-ethnic company performs a forward-thinking repertoire that includes treasured classics, neoclassical works, as well as innovative contemporary works that use the language of ballet to celebrate founder Arthur Mitchell’s belief that ballet belongs to everyone. Through performances, community engagement, and arts education, the company carries forward Dance Theatre of Harlem’s message of empowerment through the arts for all. 

Martha Graham and her Company have expanded contemporary dance’s vocabulary of movement and forever altered the scope of the art form. Today, the Company continues to foster Graham’s spirit of ingenuity, embracing a programming vision that showcases masterpieces by Graham alongside newly commissioned works by contemporary artists inspired by Graham’s legacy. With programs that unite the work of choreographers across time within a rich historical and thematic narrative, the Company is actively working to create new platforms for contemporary dance and multiple points of access for audiences.