Who we are

The people that make the art are more important than the art itself. Founded in 2022 by Sapphire Skye Toth and Michael Gehman while they earned their Master of Science degrees in Arts Administration at Boston University, Orkest is meant to be the place where New Music meets The Community and The Community meets New Music.

Our Mission: Orkest, a visionary musical venture rooted in the bustling city of Boston, is on a mission to redefine the local music scene. Recognizing the abundance of untapped musical talent, Orkest seeks to bridge the gap between emerging composers and the community, breaking away from classical traditions and creating an inviting space for diverse genres. Departing from conventional models, Orkest utilizes venues to bring people to music, not just vice versa, fostering a casual environment in cafe bars and libraries. With a commitment to equitable treatment of artists, creating opportunities for artists at socioeconomic disadvantages, professional recordings of performances, and a unique pay-what-you-wish model, Orkest is not just a music experience; it's a transformative force shaping how communities engage with and appreciate new music and the artists who create it.