Empire City Performing Arts Collective (EC Arts) was founded in 2025 in New York City to create a bold, musician-driven home for orchestral performance—one that reflects the energy, diversity, and creative ambition of the city itself. Born from a desire to empower artists as collaborators and leaders, EC Arts was established to challenge traditional hierarchies in classical music while building an inclusive community where musicians actively shape artistic vision.

At the heart of EC Arts is a commitment to ambitious, boundary-pushing repertoire and collaboration with underrepresented voices. Through innovative, artist-centered programming, we seek to expand what an orchestral ensemble can be—embracing creative risk, championing new perspectives, and presenting performances that feel vibrant, relevant, and deeply connected to the communities we serve.

Equally central to our mission is accessibility. EC Arts strives to make orchestral music welcoming and attainable for broad and diverse audiences by lowering barriers to participation, reimagining the concert experience, and fostering meaningful connections between artists and listeners. Grounded in collaboration, equity, and innovation, EC Arts looks forward with the same spirit of growth and momentum that has long defined New York City.