Terri Freeman
Executive Director , Reginald F . Lewis Museum
Dr . Stephanie Shonekan , Dean of University of Maryland ' s College of Arts and Humanities , leads a discussion with Jonathon Heyward during a BSO concert at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center .
Dr . Stephanie Shonekan Dean of University of Maryland ’ s College of Arts and Humanities
Black History Month reminds us to be intentional about honoring the great strides that African Americans have made in the United States — against the odds . Art can illuminate this history . Of all the art forms , music offers the clearest view to the depths and nuances of a society . One needs only to lean in and attend to the melodies and messages of American music — from the blues to soul to art music — to glean meaning about the rich stories and histories of African Americans . This is why the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra ' s next visit to The Clarice at the University of Maryland in February will be so meaningful . As always , Jonathon Heyward and BSO will present a relevant and meaningful program , one in which our students , faculty , and community will get a chance to reflect on African American history as contemporary soprano Julia Bullock takes the stage , and as Jessie Montgomery ’ s Five Freedom Songs is featured . We will get a unique and precious opportunity to reflect on the meaning of freedom , American history , and Black excellence .
Professor LaTonya Wrenn Gospel Choir Director , Bowie State University
This year ’ s BSO GospelFest joins together , for the first time , the Bowie State Gospel Choir , the Howard Gospel Choir of Howard University , and the Morgan State University Choir . This will be a wonderful time to come together and sing . As we embark on this performance , I am looking forward to the fellowship , camaraderie , bond , and excitement that is sure to happen when all of these incredible groups come together . The message that we hope to send to the community through this performance is one of hope , peace , and joy . We hope that those who join us will be inspired as they continue on their journey of life .
To see historic events depicted through an artist ' s rendering can help us see different perspectives , details , and raise questions that potentially would have gone unasked .
Our new exhibit at the Reginald F . Lewis Museum is titled TITAN : The Life and Legacy of Reginald F . Lewis . The exhibit pays tribute to our namesake and is a celebration of our 20th anniversary , which is in June of 2025 . As a son of East Baltimore , we felt it was important to highlight Mr . Lewis ' achievements and present his character traits through this exciting exhibit . The exhibit will talk about his childhood , his life as a student and as a lawyer , entrepreneur , family man , and mentor to so many .
This year we will begin our Black History Month " edutainment " with a concert from the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra . It will be a grand beginning to a grand opening of the TITAN exhibit , which is slated to open to the public on Saturday , February 8 .
The Museum is open Thursday-Monday every week and Black history is Black history 365 days a year . We invite everyone who is inquisitive and interested in learning to visit the museum .
Wordsmith performs alongside the BSO at last year ' s Symphony in the City concert at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine . He joins the BSO again this February for a special Symphony in the City performance celebrating Black History Month .
Symphony In The City :
REGINALD F . LEWIS MUSEUM THURS , FEB 6 , 7 PM
Free community performance .
Presenting Sponsor :
SCAN TO RESERVE TICKETS :
The BSO joins the talented young musicians of the Bowie State University , Howard , and Morgan State Gospel Choirs this spring at the Meyerhoff .
A Robert Meyerhoff and Rheda Becker Community Concert event .
JAN- FEB 2025 | OVERTURE | 9