PROTESTRA (protest + orchestra) is a grassroots orchestra based in NYC that bridges the divide between advocacy and classical music. Since 2017, PROTESTRA has educated audiences about contemporary issues of social justice through orchestral performances, donating a portion of ticket proceeds to mission- and policy-driven nonprofit organizations related to the concerts’ themes. Since September 2020, PROTESTRA has held ten issue-centered benefit concerts that have reached several thousand in-person and online viewers, collectively raised $38,000+ in audience donations for nonprofit beneficiaries, and provided $40,000+ of paid work to 300+ musicians. www.protestra.org
