The New York Philharmonic is set to celebrate Afromodernism this October. The official event is titled, “Afromodernism: Music of the African Diaspora”. According to The New Philharmonic’s website, the intent is to ” celebrate the work of Black creators and explore how the arts and cultures of contemporary Africa and the African diaspora have profoundly influenced modern arts movements.” Patrons can expect to be sonically blown away as artists, musicians and creatives who will deliver Black history and tributes through music, dance and lectures around the city.

For music fans, they will have the chance to be blown away by the legendary Black composer Thomas Wilkins. This orchestra performance will celebrate several Black composers’ works throughout history. Don’t worry, they have events for all ages, too. There is also a family-friendly musical performance on October. 18th where Wilkins will perform at 2 pm with his orchestra which is suitable for younger audiences.

A list of events happening at the New York Philharmonic celebrating Afromodernism

Photo credit: GC Public Programs

If panels and conversations are more of your speed, there are a few options to choose from.

Afromodernism and the Arts

How have Black artists contributed to modernist expressions while challenging Eurocentric ideas and discourse? As part of the New York Philharmonic’s celebration of Afromodernism, this panel explores the decolonization of Modernism by highlighting the impact of the African diaspora on music and the arts. Featuring Amy Andrieux, executive director and chief curator of the Museum of Contemporary Diasporan Art; Nathalie Joachim, a Grammy-nominated performer and composer, whose new work will premiere as part of NY Phil’s Afromodernism series; and Sade Lythcott, chief executive officer of the National Black Theatre. Moderated by Tanisha Ford, an NAACP Image Award–winning writer, cultural critic, and professor of history at the CUNY Graduate Center. 

Register here for this empowering event.

Other events related to Afromoderism around New York City

Africa’s Fashion Diaspora

This exhibition and related talks and tours examine fashion as a medium for storytelling and as a vital way for designers to contribute to longstanding and evolving ideas of transnational Black cultural spaces.

Co-presented with the Museum of FIT, this is a FREE event with required reservations.

Select a day and register to reserve your spot here.

Sound On: Composing While Black: Volume II

The NY Phil presents International Contemporary Ensemble (ICE) — a 2024–25 season Artistic Partner — in a concert exploring unique and exciting new perspectives on the work of Afrodiasporic experimental composers that have too often been ignored. Music by composers from Nigeria, Switzerland, the UK, Sweden, and the US together reveals Afrodiasporic new music as an intercultural, multigenerational, and cosmopolitan space of innovation.

You must RSVP here.