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STORY BY JACOB JAHIEL PHOTOGRAPHY BY YASEEN JONES
Music notes . Snowflakes . People . All of these things have one thing in common : their impact is greater in numbers . It was something worth reflecting on as the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra gathered for its second Symphony in the City performance of the 2023 – 24 season , the Martin Luther King , Jr . Celebration Concert at Baltimore ’ s B & O Railroad Museum .
As it happens , the January 15 evening performance also coincided with the first significant snowfall in several years . But that didn ’ t stop 250 brave concertgoers from gathering in the huge space to commemorate Dr . King and pay homage to a place where , as B & O Executive Director Kris Hoellen explained , at least eight “ freedom seekers ” passed through to seek safety from slavery almost a century-and-a-half ago .
Among the evening ' s guests were Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott and the Comptroller for the State of Maryland , Brooke Lierman . In his remarks , Mayor Scott spoke of the shared responsibility for “ looking out for everyone ” and encouraged us to take stock of our collective progress , while also recognizing that “ many of those same fights still continue today .” David Ralph , General Counsel for BGE , the concert ’ s Presenting Sponsor , beckoned to the musicians and added , “ What does it mean to be an orchestra ? It ’ s a group of different instruments … that come together to create a beautiful tapestry of harmony . What better way to honor the life and legacy of Reverend Dr . Martin Luther King , Jr .?”
Music has always played a vital part in America ’ s quest for racial equality , from spirituals to Civil War anthems to the soundtrack of the Civil Rights Movement and beyond . Acknowledging that rich history , the evening ’ s Symphony in the City program featured a collection of inspiring and influential works by African American composers . Evoking Dr . King ’ s famous speech , conductor Jeri Lynne Johnson observed that the pieces represent “ celebrations of the color of their skin , as well as a testament to their character .”
Carlos Simon ’ s “ The Block ” kicked off the program with an infectious sense of groove , a fast-moving work inspired by Romare Bearden ’ s vibrant mid-century depictions of Harlem . After followed the
Artistic Partner Wordsmith , Conductor Jeri Lynne Johnson and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at the B & O Rail Museum
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