A Saxy Nutcracker, New Roots, and Community Values. Welcome to Eva Ding’s World

Founder, artistic director, and flutist Eva Ding is one year into a new classical music venture Orchestra Q, an artist-driven, boundary-pushing, conductor-less orchestra of the next generation, and is spending the holidays bringing New York a unique twist on Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker and twinkling dreamscape of the city December 9th.

Images Courtesy of Eva Ding.

Orchestra Q is almost a year old? How does it feel to have one year under your belt?

Honestly, surreal - time really does fly, aye? Orchestra Q began as a tiny nugget of an idea - something I hoped could exist but wasn’t sure would take root. Now, to look around and see musicians, audiences, and supporters who genuinely believe in the work… It's incredibly humbling. It really feels like we’re building something significant and communal. 

What inspired you to create Orchestra Q? 

I wanted to create an artistic collective that felt welcoming and artist-driven for both the musicians and artists involved and the audience - a place where classical musicians can perform at an extremely high level but are not bound by our classical music roots. Queens itself has also inspired me since moving to the borough: the sheer breadth of cultures and backgrounds is astounding and I wanted to reflect that vibrancy through music and collaboration.

Why do you feel more classical performing artists are feeling drawn to creating their own company endeavors?

Because the old systems don’t always make room for the artistry we envision or the audiences we hope to serve. More and more classical musicians want to create spaces where the music feels alive, relevant, and connected to the communities around us.

We’re drawn to formats that break the traditional mold: interdisciplinary work, genre-blending, unconventional venues, immersive experiences. But beyond that, there’s a deep desire to nurture an audience that actually reflects the world we live in: diverse in age, culture, background, and life experience.

Starting something new allows us to ask: "Who isn’t being invited in? And how can we change that?"

For many artists, building their own ensemble or company is the most direct way to create the ecosystem they’ve, perhaps, always dreamed of.

“Starting something new allows us to ask: "Who isn’t being invited in? And how can we change that?"

Does your upcoming “Sleigh the Night” performance have anything unexpected that differs from your typical holiday concert?

I'd like to think so! Every Orchestra Q concert starts out small and intimate, with chamber pieces that highlight the talented individuals that make up the orchestra. This show, we've programmed a festive and then a reflective piece from two different cultures. We're then going to add some players and do a jazzy take on Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite. And we'll conclude with all of our players and the audience in a joyful singalong lead by some amazing guest vocalists. 

Anything you’re especially excited for December 9th’s show?

I’m incredibly excited to feature saxophonist Eddie Barbash (who was a founding member of the Late Show With Stephen Colbert house band and frequent guest with funk band Vulfpeck) as the soloist for our jazzy take of the Nutcracker. Oh, and we'll be on a rooftop so I can't wait to watch the city lights turn on and twinkle between dress rehearsal and the start of our performance!

Describe “Sleigh the Night” in three words. 

Magical Holiday Sparkle!

“New York is one of those amazing cities that encourages and lifts up anyone's wacky, out-there ideas - as long as you try and execute it to the best of your ability.”

What do you like about doing a holiday show that’s different from a regular concert during the year? 

There’s something magical about playing repertoire that’s tied to togetherness, seeing friends and family, and all the little rituals that make this time of year feel special. So performing a holiday show feels less like a “concert” and more like gathering everyone into the same room to share something familiar and cozy.

Say someone is looking at creating their own performing arts company but doesn’t know where to begin. What would you say to them? 

My answer is always going to be "just go for it". New York is one of those amazing cities that encourages and lifts up anyone's wacky, out-there ideas - as long as you try and execute it to the best of your ability. Start small and with collaborators who share your values, build a project you really believe in, and let each step teach you something new and inspire your next step. 

What are your dreams for the future of Orchestra Q? 

To become a true cultural home - a space where musicians feel ownership, audiences feel welcome, and Queens feels represented. I want us to keep experimenting, keep collaborating with artists across disciplines, and keep creating concerts that feel vibrant and alive. Ultimately, I’d love for Orchestra Q to be a model for what community-rooted classical music can be.

Tickets for “Sleigh the Night” December 9th at The Roof at 74Wythe available now.