Decoda

Decoda is a collective of versatile artists dedicated to creating dynamic performances and opportunities for musical discovery. Decoda’s pursuits place equal emphasis on artistry and creative engagement through concerts, immersive education programs, and neighborhood projects with vibrant community partners.

At home in New York City, Decoda works with partner organizations such as WQXR, the Police Athletic League, NYPD, and NYC Administration for Children’s Services to engage a diverse cross-section of the city through creative songwriting workshops and interactive performances that promote collaboration and compassion. Music for Transformation, Decoda’s social justice initiative, empowers vulnerable and disenfranchised voices of incarcerated individuals and has been recognized by CNN, Huffington Post, the Associated Press, the Washington Post, and Billboard Magazine. Other ongoing programs such as the annual Decoda Skidmore Chamber Music Institute and residencies at the Royal Academy of Scotland and Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London serve to expand the global community of audience-centric performers and to create a ripple effect of deep engagement through music around the world.

As the Affiliate Ensemble of Carnegie Hall, Decoda’s activities are anchored in creating compelling performances. In the 2018-19 season, Decoda debuted a new chamber music series presented by Carnegie Hall and a first appearance at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Decoda’s past engagements include performances at the Southbank Centre and the Barbican (London), Festspiele Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (Germany), Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Festival (UAE), Mainly Mozart Festival (San Diego), Bay Chamber Concerts (Maine), Við Djúpið Festival (Iceland), Carnegie Kids @ Suntory Hall (Tokyo), National Center for the Performing Arts (Mumbai), Programa de Educación Musical Fomento Cultural Banamex & Carnegie Hall (Mexico), the Performing Arts Center at SUNY Purchase, and the Chelsea Music Festival, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and National Sawdust in NYC.

Founded in 2012 by alumni of Ensemble Connect, Decoda’s core members and guest artists are also alumni or collaborators who demonstrate a shared commitment to Decoda’s ideals.