Hearts for Music’s Vatican Performance: Advancing Accessibility in the Arts

On April 29, 2025, Summit County's Hearts for Music orchestra reached a breathtaking milestone: performing at the Vatican during the Jubilee of Persons with Disabilities. This unique ensemble—made up of musicians with intellectual and developmental disabilities—shared their talent on one of the world’s most revered stages, offering a deeply moving testament to the power of inclusive arts.

For this special event, the Ohio chapter of Hearts for Music joined forces with their Pennsylvania chapter based in Schnecksville, bringing together musicians from two states to perform as one unified ensemble. Their collaboration added another layer of impact, showing how inclusive arts can build bridges across communities and state lines.

This moment echoes the Accessibility priority of the Akron/Summit Cultural Plan, which calls for all residents to have meaningful access to arts and culture. By shining on a global platform, Hearts for Music not only celebrated ability over limitation—they redefined what accessibility can look like when barriers are removed and support is strong.

Their performance didn’t just uplift the audience—it reinforced the message that the arts belong to everyone. Local to global, this orchestra’s journey proves how community-rooted initiatives can spark far-reaching impact, advancing equity and inclusion in profound, joyful ways.

To experience their story firsthand, watch the WKYC feature here:

Akron's Hearts for Music special needs orchestra performs at Vatican