Thank you, Lee
As the first full-time leader of Gateways Music Festival, Lee Koonce transformed a cherished gathering of musicians into a nationally recognized beacon for Black classical artistry. From 2015 to 2024, Lee’s unwavering commitment to the Festival’s mission, his visionary leadership, and his ability to inspire others propelled Gateways to unprecedented heights.
Under Lee’s guidance, Gateways expanded its reach, elevated its artistry, and deepened its impact. He brought us to the historic stage of Carnegie Hall for a triumphant debut in 2022, where the energy in the Hall and the audience’s exuberance symbolized Gateways’ arrival on the national stage. He spearheaded initiatives designed to amplify the voices of Black classical musicians (Gateways Radio, Daily Showcase) and raised the bar for investment in our artists, as seen in the exponential growth of performances, participation, and musician compensation.
Lee’s vision for Gateways as a home for Black classical artistry inspired countless individuals—musicians, donors, and audiences alike—to believe in the Festival’s power to connect, uplift, and transform. As he steps away from Gateways’ leadership, his legacy is etched into the heart of this organization, urging us all to continue building on his tireless work.
With profound gratitude, we celebrate Lee Koonce’s remarkable tenure and his enduring impact on Gateways Music Festival.
Interested in commemorating Lee’s tenure at Gateways?
Thank you so much! It is truly an honor playing in the Orchestra. I smile every time I think of Gateways and the wonderful community it fosters, and I owe that to you! You're the best!
—Robert Davis
Dear Lee,
It has been an honor to participate in the Gateways Music Festival from 2007 to 2023—first as a clarinetist, then as an assistant conductor, and finally as a guest conductor. Over these years, I have witnessed the festival’s incredible evolution and growth under your visionary leadership.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication and tireless work in making the Gateways Music Festival a beacon of inspiration and a light for people of the African diaspora. Your legacy is deeply rooted in the hearts of so many of us, and it will continue to thrive through the lives and artistry you have impacted.
With immense gratitude and respect,
Dr. Antoine T. Clark
The memories that I have of the past seven Gateways Music Festivals date back to 2011. Upon being welcomed I quickly discovered that this “tribe” was much more close-knit than expected!! Over the course of the festivals I’ve always recognized and appreciated his vision, leadership, organization, fine taste—all crowned with great humility!! It is truly an honor to count him among my esteemed colleagues!!
—Timothy Holley
You made your old Oberlin piano teacher Francis Walker-Slocum proud—and now, congratulations on the beginning of a new chapter!
—Gregory Walker
One of the attributes I admire most about Lee is his genuine love for people. Relationships matter to him. Fostering a space of collegiality and care matter to him. Fully honoring one's humanhood matters to him. I’ve admired Lee’s consistency of presence—complete with a warm smile and hearty laugh—in countless rehearsals, musician luncheons, post performance outings, and hallway chats. Time and again, he showed his deep and honest care for the Gateways community by showing his deep and honest care one musician, one person at a time. The Gateways Music Festival is a people-first organization—a big family reunion with instruments—as a result of the values Lee exuded. Thank you Lee for fostering such a home and for showing such support, care, and collegiality for all us!
—Ashleigh Gordon
Dear Lee, You first inspired me by the power of your vision and words to support Gateways as a funder. Attending the festival for the first time blew me away even more than expected by the power of the music and music makers...such a memorable experience. It's an honor now to work to carry on your capacious vision as a member of the Gateways board as we expand the footprint of the festival in many ways. Much gratitude to you!
—Susan Feder
You never cease to amaze me even after all these years since the con! Best Wishes on your next journey!
—Sylvia de la Cerna
Thank you, Lee for accepting the torch passed to you and graciously passing it on. As a non profit founder I appreciate seeing another founder’s vision grow and live strong!
—Lucinda Ali-Landing
Lee Koonce is all about business. However, he has the heart, soul, compassion for the vision, the purpose, and the people.
Being a veteran member of this organization, I have watched Gateways grow from inception. Aremnta was Moses and Lee Koonce was Joshua and Caleb, carrying the vision to fruition all while being very approachable.
There are many special instances that I recall Lee springing into action. I have observed various and he handled them professionally and with finesse. Because some of these instances are extremely personal, I will not mention. But I will say this...LEE KOONCE IS A SAFE SPACE!
The largest challenge that I believe Lee had was his handling the tour from Rochester to Carnegie Hall during Covid. There were so many moving parts, restrictions, rules, precautions to take, and we were all on edge. Lee came to rehearsal and addressed possibilities of testing positive before arriving in NYC and what would happen if that were the case. He had a plan B and C if the unfortunate were to happen. I remember his saying, ‘You are MY family.’ There was not a dry eye on the stage. We made is safely to Carnegie Hall! Lee CELEBRATED with us, his FAMILY.
Lee is Super Dad, caring for all of his genious children, having forged a path and establishing a legacy of excellence in every aspect for people of color in the arts.
Thank you Lee for always leading by example and setting the standard.The world can definitely learn from you.
—Caroline Jones
Some of my most cherished musical experiences are with the Gateways Music Festival and are a result of Lee’s vision and leadership. Recording Marsalis's Fiddler's Tale and Stravinsky’s Soldier’s Tale for the Library of Congress alongside some of my favorite musicians in the world, and then taking that program on the road with Phylicia Rashad, is simply unforgettable. Thank you, Lee!!
—Weston Sprott
Lee—your wisdom, leadership and inspiration will be missed! I am so glad that I was able to participate in the festival under your leadership and so glad you’ve left it in capable hands.
—Christopher Jenkins
Lee, you transformed Gateways from a periodic casual celebration into a world recognized institution for professional preparation and prominence for Black orchestral musicians. You took on the task of erecting the infrastructure that allowed so many to ascend beyond our historic limit, and for Our sakes you endured the inevitable blast that always accompanies such catapults, and even built on the residue that remained. Like Reverend Peter Williams, Reverend William Washington Browne, and Rube Foster before you, you saw our wanderings, imagined and carved a path forward, and even put lights and guardrails along the way so we could see where to go and keep us from veering off. Thank you for all of this.
On a personal note, I am grateful for granting me the privilege of leading the first youth ensemble that Gateways sponsored. Even more, thank you for leading the expressions of kindness and care that so effusively flowed from our beloved Gateways and from our colleagues to us in the aftermath of David's death.
God bless you for giving yourself over to His work, and for pulling us along on your journey.
—Chuck Dickerson, Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles
Lee, I first heard you during an NPR radio interview. You spoke of classically trained musicians of African descent from major orchestras around the world attending The Gateways Music Festival. Thank you for including Fantasia on ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ in the orchestra performances at Kodak Hall and Carnegie Hall. Wishing you all the best life has to offer.
—James V. Cockerham, Music Composer
Thank you Lee for your unwavering dedication to The Gateways Music Festival. Gateways has given me so much and you were a great leader and example to us all. Gateways would not be where it is today if you did not sacrifice so much of yourself to see it go to higher heights. Thank you!
—Titus Underwood
As someone who has watched the Festival grow from the very beginning, I have the deepest possible appreciation for the simply unimaginable effort Lee has put into its complete transformation.
—Amadi Azikiwe
Lee, thank you for all that you do. This festival is incredibly important to so many of us and could not run at the same elite level without you. There is truly no music festival in the world which emphasizes inclusion and belonging (along with diversity and equity) more than Gateways does. You have helped create not just an orchestra, not just an arts organization, and not just a space for us to feel welcome; you've helped create a family. You should be proud of all you’ve helped build for so many musicians and artists.
—Seth Pae
Lee—Gateways has been through some good times and some challenging ones during your long career, and you’ve helped lead us through them all. I’m excited to see you make the transition to the next phase of your life and I am grateful to have worked with you!
—Doug Phillips
As a person who became a Gateways volunteer in 2007, I was privileged to witness Lee Koonce’s indelible impact on the festival’s evolution over the years into a professionally—run organization featuring professional musicians of African descent. I remember when Lee wore several hats at once, such as musician recruiter, author of festival programs (I helped edit and proofread some), fundraiser and grant writer. In my view, the ultimate payoff to Lee for his tireless service and deep devotion to Gateways was the orchestra’s historic Carnegie Hall debut. I was blessed to be at that wondrous event. I am overjoyed to know that although Lee has stepped down as president and artistic director, he is continuing to serve Gateways in the official capacity as senior advisor. He is a priceless treasure.
—Dolores Orman
As a transformational leader, Lee Koonce led the transformation of Gateways from a local jewel to a national treasure. The world is a better place thanks to Lee's contributions not only to Gateways, but by the many people he has touched throughout his entire career.
—Jamal Rossi
Yes, Lee, you did a monumental (who would ever have believed it!) creation and development of the Festival, building on the work of our Very Dear Foundress, Armenta; however, I would like everyone to know that way back in the 80's when Lee was still a Student at the Eastman, he was a great Blessing to me and my Congregation as he was our Musician for the Gospel Choir at St. Bridget's Church.
—Fr. Bob Werth
Lee, you are man of incredible character, vision, and integrity. You are a great mentor and I will always be thankful for having the opportunity to have worked with you and learned from you.
—David Berry
Collaborating with Lee was always inspiring. He knew firsthand how to achieve the next level of performance greatness with the Gateways Festival. Proof of Lee’s commitment and hard work shines through today by way of the many donors and patrons that support the Gateways Festival and the excellence it stands for.
—Mike Stefiuk
Dear Lee,
I am so grateful to you for introducing Jim and me to Gateways. Your passionate commitment spurred our interest in the organization, and once exposed, we became enthusiastic supporters. It was a true privilege to attend the festival and be present at the historic concert at Carnie Hall.
Thanks for enriching our lives, as well as for being our great friend.
—Edith Van Slyck
Dear Lee, Thank you for believing in—and showing—the power of music to connect, uplift, inspire, and transform.
—Caroline Girgis
How does one put Lee Koonce into a short narrative? Sparkle, passion, sincerity, vision, commitment, leadership, joy, love—all of these words describe the man I have come to know during my years as a volunteer for Gateways. Not only has Lee Koonce transformed Gateways from a small, volunteer-run organization into a nationally recognized, thriving family of exquisite musicians committed to celebrating the quality artistry of musicians of African descent but he has transformed people like me into advocates and lobbyists for the work being done by musicians of color. I am honored and thankful for the opportunity I’ve had to work with Lee and Gateways, for my introduction to the late Paul Burgett, and the inspiration Lee has been for me to further advance this mission in my own work at WXXI Classical. I look forward to the future of Gateways—growing and blossoming from the seeds planted and lovingly nurtured by Lee Koonce. Thank you Lee for everything you have done.
—Ruth Phinney
Dear Lee: your vision and leadership have impacted the field in immeasurable ways. I am proud to have known you for decades and am honored to call you a colleague and a friend. Congratulations on the impact and my best wishes for your next chapter!
—Aaron Dworkin
I am so fortunate that our professional paths thru dance and music intersected along our journey. Congratulations on all that you have accomplished and all the people you touched.
—Sharon Luckman
Dear Lee, It was such a pleasure to get to know you during your tenure with Ballet Hispanico. I knew then that you were going to do great things at Gateway Music Festival—and you succeeded far beyond all expectations. Your vision, your leadership, and your dedication have changed the future for classical musicians, for which we can all be deeply grateful.
—Verdery Roosevelt
Dear Lee,
Hearing your opening remarks at the Carnegie Hall concert brought tears to my eyes. I know how long the journey has been since our days at Oberlin. I remember the bitter disappointment of our talented classmates who sweated for years for opportunities that never materialized, and others lost to AIDs. I remember with great sadness the death of our classmates Micheal Morgan and Moses Hogan, two of the greatest musicians our generation has ever known. But most of all, I remember the warm smile of one of Francis Walker-Slocum’s favorite students. the handsome, soft spoken freshman, always vanishing to a practice room someplace. . . as opposed to us loudmouth jazz renegades who stood around barking about Coltrane and Miles. Who knew that beneath the shy smile and easy- going manner was a man with the grit of a workhorse and the heart of a giant, who would one day take up the mantle of Ms. Hummings and gather up some of the greatest musicians of color this nation has ever seen, place them before the world and say “Guess what . . .” What a man. What a Festival. I’m proud to know both.
—James McBride
Dear Lee: you have been an inspiration and a rare role model. It has been an honor to learn from you and watch the transformative impact you have had on so many artists we love and cherish. The growth of Gateways Music Festival has been celebrated across the nation and we are all thankful to you for years of leadership. Thank you for always keeping your door open. Congratulations!
—Afa Dworkin
I got to know Lee during the pandemic when we each trying to make our respective organizations to keep producing. We had many encouraging conversations with each other. He was a true colleague and supporter. I know whoever gets to be in his orbit is indeed fortunate!
—Francesca Zambello
Dear Lee. I am full of admiration for the remarkable job you’ve done at Gateways and it has been one of the privileges of my life at Carnegie Hall to have worked with you and your superb Gateways musicians over many years. We work with many people on many varied projects, many of which are addressing important issues in the world in which we live. However, the real challenge is not just to address major issues about which we share a core commitment, and to do so with passion, artistic integrity, and fundamental values, but also to do so in such a way as to simultaneously meet the highest world standards. That is your great achievement, and I love the fact that you can’t imagine how anyone could ever aspire to anything else, and of course you’re right. If only the rest of the world approached life in the same way. Many congratulations on a remarkable achievement and I hope we’ll have many further chances to work together in the future, as you develop the next phases of your life.
—Clive Gillinson
I first met Lee on a grants panel for the NEA almost 20 years ago. His erudite comments and equanimity led the committee to view him as the unofficial head. It was such a pleasure to reconnect with him a lifetime later, when he was leading the Gateways Music Festival through an extraordinary transition. Many emails, phone calls, and ups & downs later, it's a privilege to be able say Lee is both an inspiration and a friend.
—Abhijit Sengupta
Lee, You are among the top leaders with whom I’ve worked closely in government, the public, and the private sectors. During your tenure as President and Artistic Director, you provided steady, determined, daring, risk-taking, and visionary leadership—which was needed as GMF throve to professionalize its operations, strengthen its fundraising, and enhance its national/international presence. I believe the phrases “never-die” and “damn the torpedos,” aptly characterize your leadership approach. The GMF family will forever be grateful for your contributions.
—James Norman