There are many instances where women and people of color feel their voices have been silenced. Classical music has traditionally been one of those places and most orchestras are performing 98% or more of their music by white men. 
 However, female composers and composers of color are writing some of the most inspiring music being created today. Their voices deserve to be heard equally with those of men and of the past. Representation matters and Kaleidoscope is committed to diversity, equity and inclusivity at all levels of its organization.

The fifth season of Kaleidoscope’s features orchestral and chamber music by 21 female and 17 male composers. Most pieces being premiered came from the company’s annual call for scores, which this year received almost 2,200 applications from composers in 76 countries. Additionally, three of the soloists working with Kaleidoscope (Ekaterina Skliar – domra, Dmitry Ulnasek – piano, and Andrea Obiso – violin) were chosen from its inaugural international instrumental competition, which was open to performers of any age and instrument, and received almost 2,000 applications from musicians in 88 countries.

With a goal of reaching new and more diverse audiences for classical music, almost all of Kaleidoscope’s public performances this season are donation-based admission and open seating (with the exception of ticketed performances on Feb. 23 and Feb. 24, and March 30). Additionally, each season Kaleidoscope performs over 60 additional free performances at schools, hospitals, homeless shelters and other artistically underserved parts of the community. For a listing of current community partners, please visit www.kco.la/community.

Founded in 2014 by clarinetist Benjamin Mitchell, Kaleidoscope is a conductorless orchestra dedicated to enriching lives through exhilarating concert experiences, artistic excellence, musician leadership, and connecting with the diverse communities of Los Angeles. Kaleidoscope consists of some of the leading musicians in the U.S. who work collaboratively and democratically to share music at the highest level. Kaleidoscope will also be performing outside of Los Angeles for the first time this season, with concerts in Orange County and Santa Barbara.

For complete season programming, please visit www.kco.la/concerts.

In October, Kaleidoscope will be performing:

On Saturday, Oct. 27 at 7 p.m. at 
Glendale City Church,

610 E. California Ave. in Glendale; on Sunday Oct. 28 at 2 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Santa Monica, 1220 2nd St. Santa Monica.