The unethical exclusion by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra of women and people of color is insupportable. The protest against this exclusion led by the International Association of Women in Music is a necessary step in changing such conditions in the performing musical arts. Great performers are obviously present in either gender and all colors and they can be players of any instrument.
In the light of this protest against the racist and sexist policy of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, all who perform, compose, educate, publish and produce music also need to think again about what music is presented and taught. Who composed the music? How does one come to like music of any kind? How are opinions about music formed? What music is available in libraries for study and performance?
Including women and people of color in all forms of musical activity is an ethical and conscious choice to be made by all concerned. It is particularly incumbent on established musical organizations such as the Vienna Philharmonic, other established orchestras and institutions of higher education throughout the world to awaken to the effort of inclusiveness. This calls out for a reorganization of musical repertoire and more opportunities for composers to create new repertoire and for performers to play it and teach it. Once performers are integrated into musical ensembles which formerly excluded women and people of color what music will they play? Ethics guide choices and raise consciousness. It is all too easy to continue an unethical tradition of exclusion without question. Music is the coordinating and synchronizing influence in all societies. It is obvious that integration has to take place through music and in the way music is taught and presented.
Pauline Oliveros
PO Box 1956
Kingston, NY 12401
Email: paulineo@deeplistening.org
The Executive Board of Local 802 of the American Federation of Musicians (Greater New York) has issued the following statement:
We the undersigned appeal to the members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra to end a policy that has excluded both women and non-ethnic Europeans from membership in their orchestra. This policy has gone unchallenged for far too long. People of good will everywhere have a responsibility to speak up and urge that it be ended.
The barriers that stand in the way of full equality for women and many others have been slow to fall and they remain yet in too many fields of endeavor. Certainly they have no place in the world of music. We urge the members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra to open their orchestra to all who have the necessary talent and ability. We urge an end to a policy that is an affront to all who treasure justice, equity, and music.
Local 802 - American Federation of Musicians
Associated Musicians of Greater New York
322 W. 48th Street
New York, NY 10036
Her statement was given to the International Alliance for Women in Music:
Only changing its name to the Vienna Men's Philharmonic could explain why women have been systematically excluded from the Vienna Philharmonic, thus lowering its standard by excluding half of all musical talent.
It is just as offensive to exclude all women as it would be to exclude Jewish, Christian, or any group of men. Music can't be a universal language if it is used dishonestly to divide.
Gloria Steinem
Her statement was given to the International Alliance for Women in Music:
At one time, it was accepted and legal to deny women admission to medical and law schools. At one time, young girls were even denied admission to secondary schools. Fortunately, those barriers have been dismantled and few would like to see them erected again. How then can the Vienna Philharmonic justify its discriminatory practices? The ability to be an excellent musician is one determined by talent and hard work, not by gender. By admitting women, the Vienna Philharmonic will not only be doing the right thing, it will expand its pool of artistic talent and take a step into the real world.
Anne Conners President, NYC-NOW Manhattan chapter of the National Organization for Women
22 February, 1997
Dear Members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra:
Please accept our urgent plea to join your fellow musicians across the globe in embracing fellow human beings - regardless of gender or ethnic background - as participants in our most precious profession. We would not be human if we did not experience discomfort or defensiveness when faced with our limitations or our familiar ways of thinking and behaving. But the gift of musical talent demands continuous striving for the highest ideals. Music gives us special access to the deepest parts of humanity, and we believe this privilege also requires willingness and courage to change.
We ask you to open your hearts, minds, and professional lives to all people who meet the musical standards of the Vienna Philharmonic. Second-class treatment of fellow musicians has no place in a first-class orchestra. Help the Philharmonic to embrace the full meaning of first-class status.
Sincerely,
The Board of Directors
AFM Local 9-535
March 3, 1997
It is challenging for any organization to change its way of doing things, but we are now coming to the end of the 20th century and the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra must now realize that its policy of not allowing women into its ranks is not only out-of-date but clearly unreasonable. I am sure that any recent internal discussions that the orchestra has been having over this subject has been cause for difficult soul searching-one that I hope in time will allow them to continue as the great orchestra they are with the addition of excellent players that are women, asians, africans, etc.
Joan Tower