Convenings | Equity Arc

At a moment of growth and possibility, Equity Arc invites friends, partners, and all who are passionate about the future of classical music to join us as we share how we are moving forward.

At this year’s National Convening and Festival Ensembles, we will explore our evolving strategic direction and how it is shaping our approach to artistic excellence, mentorship, and pathways into the profession. Grounded in deep respect for musicians’ lived experiences, we are working to close the gaps between talent and opportunity by creating clearer pathways for young artists and their families.

Alongside our Festival Ensembles performances, the Convening will create space for meaningful, participatory conversations about how talent is identified, supported, and recruited, and how we can collectively build a more equitable and effective field.

We are honored to be joined by acclaimed composer and educator Gabriela Lena Frank and acclaimed public interest lawyer and social justice advocate Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative, whose perspectives will help frame and reflect on our weekend together.

Whether you are already engaged in this work or just beginning to explore it, we welcome you to learn with us, imagine with us, and take part in shaping what comes next.

Festival Ensembles

The Festival Ensembles are Equity Arc’s national young musician residency programs, bringing together exceptional pre-college and collegiate artists from across the country for intensive mentorship, collaboration, and performance.

This year’s ensembles, led by visionary music directors Rodney Dorsey and Lina González-Granados, honor the breadth of the orchestral and wind ensemble canons while elevating compelling new voices. Through rigorous rehearsal, artistic exchange guided by our incredible faculty, and public performance, the Festival Ensembles platform outstanding young musicians and offer audiences a powerful glimpse of the artistry shaping the next generation.

Please contact paige@equityarc.org with questions regarding this event.

Registration

2026 Equity Arc National Convening Registration

Convening Registration includes:

Access to all convening sessions
Reception including drinks and hors d’oeuvres on May 1
Coffee and lunch on May 2
Luncheon at Capital One Hall on May 3
Complimentary ticket to the Equity Arc National Ensembles concert at Capital One Hall on May 3

Important Dates to Note:

April 2: Deadline to reserve reduced-rate room at Tysons Corner Marriott

2026 Equity Arc National Convening

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Your registration includes full access to convening sessions and panels, drinks and hors d'oeuvres at the Friday evening reception, coffee and lunch on Saturday, a Sunday luncheon at Capital One Hall and a ticket to the Equity Arc National Ensembles concert.

Will you be representing an organization, institution, and/or business at the College and Summer Study Fair?

The table cost is complimentary with Convening Registration. The College and Summer Study Fair will take place on Saturday, May, 2nd from 6:45 - 8:30pm ET at Capital One Hall.

Yes, I will be representing an organization, institution, and/or business and need a table at the College and Summer Study Fair.

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Plan Your Experience

Event Location

The 2026 Equity Arc National Convening will be held in the Tysons Corner Marriott (8028 Leesburg Pike, Tysons Corner, Virginia, USA, 22182) and in Capital One Hall (7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons, VA 22102)

Hotels

Book your stay for a discounted rate at the below hotel by April 2:

Tysons Corner Marriott

Address: 8028 Leesburg Pike Tysons Corner, Virginia, USA, 22182
Rate: $159/night

Ground Transportation & Parking

From Airport

Dulles International Airport (IAD) is located 16 miles from Tysons Corner Marriott.
Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) is located 14 miles from Tysons Corner Marriott.

Ground transportation options include:

Use a Ride Share App (Lyft/Uber) to take you directly to your destination
The WMATA Metro offers trains to and from Tysons Metro Station, as well as bus services.

By Car

Parking at Tysons Corner Marriott is $12/day Friday & Saturday, and $22/day Sunday – Thursday.

Dining

Lunch will be provided on Saturday and Sunday to convening attendees. This is an opportunity to connect with attendees from all stages of musical development. Browse hotel dining options for meals that are not included.

Convening Schedule

Friday, May 1

6-8:30pm: Welcome and Fellow Panel, Opening Keynote Address by Gabriela Lena Frank (Tysons Corner Marriott)
8:30pm: Reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres (Tysons Corner Marriott)

Saturday, May 2