Disability, Artistry, and Community: Forging a Future
Performance & Panel Discussion | Monday, March 16 | GBH Fraser Studio, Boston, MA | 6:00–8:30 pm ET
In-Person Event and Virtual Live Stream (starting at 7:00 pm ET)
Hosted by From the Top’s Musicians with Disabilities Initiative
Event Details & Registration
The journey from young talent to working artist is never simple. For musicians with disabilities, that path demands not only skill, creativity, and perseverance, but an industry willing to expand its understanding of who belongs on stage.
What are career pathways taken by established artists with disabilities?
What can young musicians do to forge their own future in music?
How can the industry better support young artists with disabilities?
What does an inclusive classical music community look like now and in the future?
Pictured: Julia LaGrand/Credit: Tim Correira Photography
Join us for Disability, Artistry, and Community: Forging a Future, a free performance and panel discussion centered around empowering disabled artists now and in the future. Panelists will explore career pathways, reflect on how disability shapes artistic voice and innovation, and share best practices for building an inclusive classical music community.
Violinist and disability activist Julia LaGrand, a Co-Host and Associate Producer for From the Top, will facilitate the discussion. Confirmed panelists include nationally-renowned ASL/English Interpreter, presenter, and certified facilitator of Disability Justice, Deaf Equity and Anti-Ableist practices Chris Robinson, Ellice Patterson, Founder and Executive Director of Abilities Dance Boston, and violinist, educator, and speaker Adrian Anantawan, with additional participants to be announced.
Performances by FTT Alum and VSA International Young Musician winner Nicolette Sullivan-Cozza, cellist Adam Mandela Walden, and FTT host Peter Dugan.
We welcome musicians of all ages, educators, administrators, and members of the public who are eager to join this rewarding conversation.
This event will be live streamed for our national audience at 7:00 pm ET.
This event is free and registration is required for the in-person event and the virtual live stream. Capacity at GBH’s Fraser Studio is limited.
AT A GLANCE
Disability, Artistry, and Community: Forging a Future
Hosted by From the Top’s Musicians with Disabilities Initiative
WHAT: Performance and panel discussion
WHEN: Monday. March 16, 2026
6:00–6:45 pm ET | doors open, networking and light refreshments
7:00–8:30 pm ET | virtual live stream begins/performance and panel discussion
WHO: Moderated by violinist and disability activist Julia LaGrand, Co-Host and Associate Producer at From the Top/undergraduate at NEC/Harvard University
Panelists:
ASL/English Interpreter, presenter, and certified facilitator of Disability Justice, Deaf Equity and Anti-Ableist practices Chris Robinson
Ellice Patterson, Founder and Executive Director of Abilities Dance Boston
Violinist, educator, and speaker Adrian Anantawan
Performers:
Violist Nicolette Sullivan-Cozza
Cellist Adam Mandela Walden
FTT host/pianist Peter Dugan
WHERE: GBH’s Fraser Performance Studio, 1 Guest St, Boston, MA
~OR~
Virtual Live Stream available at 7:00 pm ET with registration below. The live stream will be captioned and include American Sign Language interpreters (ASL).
REGISTER
This event is free but registration is required for both the in-person event at GBH and for the virtual live stream. Seating at the in-person event will be general admission and capacity is limited.
Register Now for the In-Person Event on March 16 at GBH in Boston
Register Now for the Virtual Live Stream on March 16 at 7:00 pm ET
GBH’s Fraser Studio and public spaces are fully accessible. There will be captioning and American Sign Language interpreters (ASL) for both the in-person event and live stream. Masks will be available upon request. If you would like to request an additional accommodation or for inquiries about accessibility, please use the registration form or email Helen Barrington at hbarrington@fromthetop.org or call 617-413-0997.
GETTING THERE: Find directions via public transportation and by car to GBH at 1 Guest St, Boston here.
Please note: Free parking is available with a validated ticket for the parking garage at 15 Guest St. Bring your ticket with you to the event registration table for validation.
Accessible dropoff for GBH is located in the driveway entrance to the GBH visitors lot. Coming down Guest Street from Market Street, this is the first driveway on the right. Designated accessible spaces are available in the GBH visitors lot behind One Guest Street. When this lot is full, please use the designated accessible spaces in the Guest Street garage.
GBH is accessible via public transportation.
THANK YOU TO THE GENEROSITY OF:
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
Howard and Geraldine Polinger Family Foundation
The Volgenau Foundation
National Endowment for the Arts
Mass Cultural Council
