chicago, and on this night, she s playing flute, alongside some of the best musicians in the world. nervous at all? a little nervous. reporter: she s one of 50 gifted young musicians from 10 cities who spent a weekend with the chicago symphony orchestra, a symposium for diverse performers. this is the first time i ve been in an orchestra where almost everybody is from the same background as me or looks like me. it s just an incredibly diverse array of musicians. reporter: anika and the others are getting an opportunity stanford thompson never did as a budding trumpeter in atlanta. he s now the chairman of a network that mentors classical musician of color. i think it kind of sends a signal that they aren t alone, that they are on this journey with others that are trying to become professional musicians. reporter: the first movement in a long journey to diversity in classical music with a finale yet to be written.