Founded in 1993 by concert pianist Armenta Hummings Dumisani in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, Gateways began as a local convening rooted in affirmation, artistry, and fellowship. In 1995, the festival relocated to Rochester, New York, following Dumisani’s appointment to the faculty of the Eastman School of Music—establishing a home for the organization in Rochester and expanding its impact. 

In 2016, while remaining an independent nonprofit organization, Gateways formalized its longstanding partnership with the University of Rochester and the Eastman School of Music and appointed its first professional staff. This milestone strengthened Gateways’ organizational infrastructure and expanded its capacity to serve artists and audiences locally and nationally.

Each year, Black classical musicians from across the field come together through Gateways’ festivals and programs. United by artistic excellence and shared lived experience, these artists form a vibrant community grounded in collaboration, mentorship, and cultural legacy.

The Gateways Festival Orchestra is the organization’s flagship  ensemble which convenes the community of artists and anchors its artistic vision and amplifies its impact across the field. Drawing leading players from the nation's symphony orchestras, conservatory faculties, and the international freelance community, each presentation of the Festival Orchestra is shaped by a unique constellation of musicians—creating performances marked by celebration, artistic excellence and cultural significance. From this foundation, Gateways has advanced a growing portfolio of residencies and programs, including the Gateways Brass Collective, the nation’s only all-Black professional brass quintet; the Gateways Chamber Players; education and youth engagement initiatives, including the Young Musicians Institute; and Gateways Radio, a nationally syndicated program amplifying Black classical artistry across the United States.

Rooted in three decades of impactGateways is tradition in motion, guided by artistic brilliance, a vibrant community of support, and the commitment to be a lasting home for Black artistry in classical music.

Gateways Music Festival connects and supports professional classical musicians of African descent and enlightens and inspires communities through the power of performance.

Gateways Music Festival aims to be a multi-faceted resource primarily for classical musicians of African descent and a source of inspiration, enlightenment, and engagement for communities—especially communities underrepresented in classical music.