The Songwriter's Orchestra is a ground-breaking ensemble that joins up-and-coming singer/songwriters with a twelve piece chamber orchestra consisting of strings, winds, brass and percussion. The songs are presented in new arrangements so this unique ensemble serves as the sole accompaniment. Founded by arranger/conductor Solomon Hoffman, the ensemble includes musicians that have trained at Juilliard, Manhattan School of Music, The New School and Eastman. They have worked with a variety of singers including Shaina Taub, Grace McLean, Brinae Ali, John-Michael Lyles, Kate Davis, Eisa Davis, Olivia Harris, Magnus Ferguson, Britton Smith, Kathryn Gallagher, Sarah Dooley, Nicole Weiss, Kate Ferber and Kyra Atekwana. They have performed at 54 Below, The Laurie Beechman Theatre and (le) poisson rouge.
The Songwriter's Orchestra has recently focused on making activism a key part of their mission, harnessing the power of sharing personal narratives through music. In September they presented Brinae Ali's work "Thirsty," which responds to the water crisis in Flint, Michigan, and raised money for youth arts programming in the city. Following the 2016 election, they held a special concert creating a space for healing and empowerment in the wake of the hatred and bigotry on the rise in America. In 2017, they are undertaking their most ambitious collaboration yet by partnering with Herstory Writer's Workshop to present a concert for youth justice. The concert will bring awareness to and encourage action on the Raise the Age campaign in New York State.
