Enter an orchestra of New Yorkers rising from homelessness, forging their futures one bold note at a time.
In defiance of adversity, these musicians play on—
all of us bearing witness to an escape facilitated by the very emblem of wealth itself.
We are that orchestra. Come and bear witness.
The Vision
Generational Transformation
We believe generations of New Yorkers will have transitioned out of homelessness and built successful careers from TOE in the decades to come.
High Standards, No Compromises
We will become a professional, performance-ready orchestra, trained by the best musicians in the world, led by the best conductors in the world, with music commissioned uniquely for us by the best composers in the world.
Next-Generation Philanthropy
We will foster a strong community of forward-thinking, next-generation philanthropists that encompass top patrons of both the arts and impact in NYC.
Belonging
Mentorship
Skillset
Wage
Community
Responsibility
Belonging Mentorship Skillset Wage Community Responsibility
— for people who are too often mistaken for a problem to solve.
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Nick Marsella
Founder
M.M. Composition, The Juilliard School
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Gary Padmore
Advisory Board Member
VP of Education, New York Philharmonic -
José García León
Advisory Board Member
Dean, Yale School of Music
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Kristel Kempin
Advisory Board Member
Director of Major Gifts, New York Public Radio
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Eru Matsumoto
Advisory Board Member
Grammy Award-winning cellist, Forbes 30 Under 30
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Nigel Masenda
Advisory Board Member
Corporate Attorney, TE Connectivity
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Ritz Mpindi
Advisory Board Member
Founder & Director, Orion Strategies
The Process
Collaborate + Scout
We work with NYC-based organizations already directly serving the needs of unhoused New Yorkers to identify prospects who would be set up for success in The Orchestra.
Train + Prepare
We leverage our extensive roster of the best orchestral musicians in NYC to pair each new member with a mentor who trains them and performs alongside them when they are ready.
Hire + Perform
After training, we hire each individual to perform in the orchestra during our concert seasons. They are free to join other ensembles or pursue other work with their new skillset, but they will always have a place with us.
Our Ethos
artistry + purpose.