“ 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 .?”
— David Ralph , General Counsel for BGE
“ Martin Luther King ” movement from Duke Ellington ’ s jazz-infused symphonic eulogy , Three Black Kings . Margaret Bonds ’ “ Lament ” from Montgomery Variations , composed as a tribute to Dr . King , also served as a potent reminder of the senseless 16th Street Baptist Church bombing that claimed the lives of four Black children . The exuberant “ Juba Dance ” from the Third Symphony by Florence Price ( one of Bonds ’ teachers ), may have even seemed familiar to a handful of concertgoers — BSO Music Director Jonathon Heyward programmed it for the opening Gala of his inaugural season last fall .
But the BSO saved the evening ’ s capstone performance for last : a world premiere by Baltimore ’ s own spoken-word artist , Wordsmith , titled Network to Freedom . In the place where speech meets song , accompanied by the BSO and the talented singers of Morgan State University , Wordsmith chronicled stories of struggle , resilience , and salvation . Rhyme-by-rhyme , he told of stowaways and runaways who , through perseverance and ingenuity , escaped the horrors of slavery . He told of people like William and Ellen Craft , a married couple who disguised themselves to flee north — including through the B & O itself — towards freedom , eventually settling in England . More special still , Julia Ellen Craft Davis , the pair ’ s great-great-great-granddaughter , was in the audience .
After the course of one magical hour , attendees returned to their cars , finding a fresh dusting of snow across their windshields . It was a good reminder that thousands and thousands of righteous actions , no matter how small , can build to something greater . Or , as Dr . Martin Luther King , Jr . once wisely said , “ The arc of the moral universe is long , but it bends towards justice .”
Jeri Lynne Johnson conducts the BSO during the MLK Day performance .
ABOUT SYMPHONY IN THE CITY
As the only major symphony orchestra founded as part of the city it calls home , the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra hosts several free , community-oriented performances each season , extending the power of symphonic music beyond the walls of the concert hall directly into neighborhoods , schools , and community centers throughout Baltimore City . In addition to support provided by series Presenting Sponsor BGE , Symphony in the City programs are leading examples of the BSO ' s Robert E . Meyerhoff and Rheda Becker Community Performances .
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