By Aria Brent
AFRO Staff Writer
abrent@afro.com
The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) will soon start Symphony in the City, a free, three-concert community series. The first concert is set to happen at Morgan State University (MSU) on Wednesday, Sept. 18, at 7:30 pm in the Gilliam Concert Hall in the Murphy Fine Arts Center.
The first performance of the season is led by BSO music director, Jonathon Heyward, and will feature selections from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral.” To compliment Beethoven’s timeless work, the concert will also feature compositions by James Lee III, whose work is infused with bright stories and deep cultural resonance.
“Beginning our season with a community concert at Morgan State University is deeply meaningful,” said Heyward. “This performance not only begins our musical journey for the year, but also continues the BSO’s tradition of bringing music directly to the heart of Baltimore, honoring the Symphony’s roots as an orchestra founded by the city for its people.”
Symphony in the City was intentionally created to align concerts and venues with community celebrations. The concert at MSU will both mark the start of a new academic year, but also pay homage to the university’s connection to the BSO’s new composer in residence, James Lee III.
Lee serves as a faculty member at the historically Black institution in Maryland. His BSO residency will include two world premieres during the 2024-25 concert season and will feature an educational component with students in BSO’s OrchKids program and the Baltimore School of the Arts.Throughout his time in this role Lee will provide students with opportunities for compositions, mentorship, and workshop performances.
“The fact that the Morgan community, and the surrounding community at large, will have an opportunity to experience the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, led by their new music director, Jonathon Heyward, live on our campus, is simply amazing,” said Eric Conway, DMA, chair of the fine and performing arts department and director of the choir at MSU. “This moment is further elevated by having the work of a respected Morgan faculty member, Dr. James Lee III, on display for all to enjoy. We are fortunate and thankful to the BSO for selecting Morgan as the location for the season’s first Symphony in the City concert.”
Listed below are all the details for the first Symphony in the City concert
Symphony in the City
Date: Wednesday, Sept.18
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Gilliam Concert Hall, Murphy Fine Arts Center
Morgan State University
2201 Argonne Drive
Baltimore, MD 21218
Artist
Jonathon Heyward, conductor
Repertoire
BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral,” I. Awakening of cheerful feelings on arrival in the countryside
LEE III Amer’ican
BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral,” II. Scene by the brook
LEE III Captivating Personas, III. Bored Comfort
BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral,” IV. Thunderstorm
BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral,” V. Shepherd’s song: Cheerful and thankful feelings after the storm
The Symphony in the City series will continue throughout the 2024-25 concert season with performances across Charm City, including a tribute to Veterans on November 20 at War Memorial and a celebration of Black History Month on Feb. 7, 2025, at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum.
Launched in 2019, this concert series represents the BSO’s commitment to bringing world-class music to diverse audiences throughout the Baltimore area. Each concert is a special celebration of community, culture, and the astounding power of music.
Symphony in the City remains free to all. Reservations are suggested but not required. Learn more by visiting https://www.bsomusic.org/symphony-in-the-city/.
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