2020–2021Year in Review
Artistic Legacy, Digital Performances, and Programming
Carnegie Hall collaborated with the world’s finest artists, including Jon Batiste, Joyce DiDonato, Yo-Yo Ma, Rhiannon Giddens, and others. Throughout the year, artists crossed diverse musical genres, collaborating on inventive programming that told important stories and explored vital themes related to the issues of the day. From first-ever online events—like our virtual Opening Night Gala and Voices of Hope festival—to educational programs, Carnegie Hall stayed connected with audiences around the world.
Education and Social Impact Programs
During the 2020–2021 season, the Weill Music Institute (WMI) presented a vast range of educational programs—many free or at low cost—supporting Carnegie Hall’s mission of making music accessible to all. Nimbly shifting its programming to online formats, WMI nurtured talent and made music a meaningful part of the lives of more than 800,000 students, educators, families, young musicians, professional artists, and community members in New York City, across the US, and around the globe.
“My NYO experience has been nothing short of amazing. The faculty, the musicians, and the other staff people have all changed my life, and I know I’m not alone in feeling that way.
Learn with Carnegie Hall: Make a Joyful Noize
Hip-hop duo Soul Science Lab blends rap, funk, soul, and Afrobeat sounds in a vibrant display that celebrates Black joy as a healing force.
In Response
Presented as part of Carnegie Hall’s Voices of Hope festival, In Response features songwriters and composers of all ages as they reflect on the life-affirming power of music during times of crisis.
Serving People in a Digital Age
Carnegie Hall reached the widest possible audience through an expansive range of online programs. It leveraged its investment in digital—which dates back more than two decades—to further expand important initiatives and fully engage audiences. This included WMI educational curriculums, live-streaming performances (which reached millions in their homes), digitization of the Hall’s historical collections (which added more than 3,000 new items), and adding articles and other content to our website (carnegiehall.org) in order to deepen listeners’ connection with music.
“I am literally sitting here in my apartment, teleworking, all by myself for weeks now … and this music has brought me to (happy) tears.
Expanded Resources for Families
Watch a sing-along series for families with young kids that features playtime songs and themes of rhythm, play, story, and more.
Resources for Schools and Teachers
Over the past decade, the expansion of Carnegie Hall’s education and social impact programs across the country has created a national community of teachers who are dedicated to providing the best music education to their students.
Digital Resources for Teens
In this five-part online course, songwriter and performer Bridget Barkan details how to write a meaningful original song.
Digital Resources for Young Professional Musicians
Are you ready to challenge yourself to develop a deeper connection with your audiences? Follow this self-paced, interactive video series inspired by the visionary mission of Ensemble Connect to discover tools to engage modern audiences and spark joy and connection with your music.
Digital Collections and Other Resources
Discover Carnegie Hall’s history by exploring a selection of materials from the Digital Collections, including programs, flyers, photographs, and more.
A Return to Live Performances Fuels New York City’s Comeback
On June 12, 2021, the pulsing bomba rhythms of Los Hacheros heralded the return of live performances presented by Carnegie Hall with a concert in Harlem’s Denny Farrell Riverbank State Park. The free concert was the first in-person event since the abrupt shutdown of the Hall in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and marked a milestone for Carnegie Hall and New York City, ending the longest period that the Hall has ever been closed and reminding everyone of the role it plays in the city’s robust artistic life.