Statements
Mission
Intersection is a flexible contemporary music ensemble dedicated to challenging the traditional concert experience, exploring music of the 20th and 21st centuries, supporting living composers, presenting programs for younger audiences, embracing collaboration, technology and the avant-garde, while expanding, respecting and embracing the musical and cultural diversity of Nashville.
Background
Intersection was founded by conductor Kelly Corcoran in 2014 in a desire to bring a professional contemporary music ensemble to Nashville, and for Nashville's music scene to more accurately reflect the diversity of music being created around the world today. Intersection seeks to create new and unexpected ways for audiences to experience contemporary music, with concerts that feature unusual combinations of instruments, nontraditional venues and staging, video and contemporary dance. Performances use contemporary music in an intentional way to bring forward new and unique voices, build community, and engage in dialogue. Intersection has a strong tradition of collaboration, having worked with over 30 partners on programs that engage new audiences with contemporary classical music. Since 2017 Intersection has partnered with Fisk University and Choral Arts Link to present Upon These Shoulders, a community celebration to honor the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the many heroes of the Civil Rights Movement. Intersection programs engage youth and families with the belief that contemporary classical music can develop creativity, cultivate listening, promote well-being, and foster a shared understanding of our world.
Impact
The vision of Intersection is to expand and shift the perspectives of audiences and musicians of all ages through the creation, cultivation, and performance of contemporary music, a vital, thriving and inspiring form of art. Through intentional collaboration with artists and community organizations, Intersection provides audiences with diverse presentations that involve other art forms and experiences. These partnerships and Intersection's core programs provide financial support and creative opportunities for musicians, artists, craftsmen, and composers. Intersection continues to present music not heard anywhere else in the city, and to work and advocate for a greater role for the arts. Nashville is at the forefront of the contemporary art conversation, and Intersection is pushing boundaries and working to foster the "classical of tomorrow."
Needs
Intersection continues to expand and diversify its sources of revenue, seeking to create a broad and sustainable base of support. Contributions further our work to present innovative performances of contemporary music, support living composers through the creation of new works, engage youth, and create opportunities for local musicians and partnerships to thrive in a rapidly growing community.
Intersection's greatest needs are for funding to 1) support living composers and the creation of new music through commissioning fees, 2) bring internationally-renowned musicians and composers to Nashville, and 3) support the talented musicians and artists that create and take part in our programs.
In addition to financial support, Intersection seeks organizations and individuals to develop innovative partnerships, increase the visibility and reach of our events, and raise awareness of the role of contemporary music in our community.
CEO Statement
Intersection was born from my desire to bring a professional contemporary music ensemble to Nashville. As 'Music City,' Nashville is considered a global music center on par with London, New York, and Los Angeles. Each of these cities includes many ensembles dedicated to the performance and creation of new music, and Intersection is thrilled to bring sounds from international composers to Nashville. With Intersection we are setting out to expand the traditional ways that audiences interact with music in the concert experience and to reshape the musical language of the city by focusing on repertoire from the 20th and 21st centuries for medium-sized ensembles with an emphasis on living composers. Our core values include collaboration, creativity, unexpected venues, community partners, embracing the avant-garde, and presenting programming for younger audiences. Our mantra is "Ears Wide Open" and we aim to be curious and adventurous in the work we do to redefine what "classical" music is and why it is relevant. We are also dedicated to equity and the dismantling of systemic racism. We aim to create an organization that gives musical voice to composers of color, female composers, and voices from a multitude of cultural perspectives that intersect with the western traditions of classical music. By doing so, we aim to cultivate listening and community. It has been wonderful to establish meaningful, lasting collaborations with many colleagues such as those at Choral Arts Link, Nashville in Harmony, W.O. Smith Community Music School, Fisk University, New Dialect and more. We have worked with over 30 partners and reached thousands of people in our short history. We value and support creativity by commissioning new works and through education programs that give young people the skills and open minds to explore musical creation. It is my hope that Intersection will continue to grow and thrive by bringing new music to Nashville, creating space for musical conversations and discovery while stretching what it means to live in "Music City."
Board Chair Statement
Intersection connects contemporary artists, composers, and musicians to the larger community of Music City. It is an organization that allows for hidden artists to be seen, for unheard voices to be amplified, and for its listeners to have shared experiences. Over Intersection's seven seasons, we have been able to support music focused on racial equality, gender equality, social justice, civil rights, women's rights, and many other important issues. The innovative music promoted, cultivated, and performed by Intersection is led by Artistic Director Kelly Corcoran, whose incredible talent and passion for the mission is awe-inspiring.
It has been an honor to work with Intersection the last few years, an experience that has allowed me to truly be overwhelmed by the beauty of contemporary music, transformed by the musical performances, and enlightened to the social and artistic missions behind the works. I am grateful for my personal experiences with Intersection, and hope I can help share that with the larger community. Intersection's mission is a compelling one and it will have a bright future in the city of Nashville!
Service Categories |
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| Primary Category: | Arts, Culture & Humanities - Music |
| Secondary Category: | - |
| Tertiary Category: | - |
Areas Served
| TN - Davidson |
