Wordsmith

Anthony Parker better known as “ Wordsmith ” is a Baltimore-based songwriter , performer , entrepreneur , and philanthropist . Wordsmith makes hip-hop with a strong motivational message . His mission is to entertain and educate through a message of purpose while providing clean , quality , marketable “ Music for the Masses .” Philanthropy has always been a major part of Wordsmith ’ s core values , and he has partnered with Project PLASE Homeless Shelter in Baltimore and Kids Connection Haiti . As of 2020 , Wordsmith officially opened his nonprofit , Rise with a Purpose , Inc .

In 2009 , Wordsmith opened his independent label NU Revolution Entertainment . He has released five albums over his career , is a Grammy Voting Member , and his album Perspective Jukebox was named Best Rap / Hip-Hop Album at the 16th Independent Music Awards .

A chance meeting with BSO VP and Chief Operating Officer Tonya McBride Robles brought an opportunity to write a new narration for Saint-Saëns ’ Carnival of the Animals with the BSO , which was the beginning of a fruitful relationship resulting in officially joining the organization as Artistic Partner in 2020 .

Morgan State University Choir

The Morgan State University Choir is one of the nation ’ s most prestigious university choral ensembles . The choral forces of this critically acclaimed choir include The University Choir , with over 120 voices , and The Morgan Singers , with approximately 40 voices . While classical , gospel , and contemporary popular music comprise the choir ’ s repertoire , the choir is also noted for its emphasis on preserving the heritage of spiritual music .

The Morgan State University Choir has performed for audiences throughout the U . S . and all over the world . One of the choir ’ s most historic moments was performing under the baton of Robert Shaw when he conducted the Orchestra of St . Luke ’ s and Jessye Norman in Carnegie Hall ’ s 100th Birthday Tribute to Marian Anderson .

Known for their consistency of excellent performances , the choir has likely performed with more major orchestras of the U . S . than any other university choir , including the New York Philharmonic , the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra , Los Angeles Philharmonic , and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra .

In 2008 , the choir performed at Carnegie Hall with Marin Alsop and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to perform Bernstein ’ s MASS . In 2009 , the recording of MASS heralded as the “ definitive recording of the work ” and nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Classical Album .

Baltimore Choral Arts Society

The Baltimore Choral Arts Society builds a stronger , more connected , and more inspired community by celebrating the joy of choral music through exceptional performances and diverse educational and artistic partnerships .

The Baltimore Choral Arts Society , now in its 56th season , is one of Maryland ’ s premier cultural institutions . The Symphonic Chorus , Chorus , and Chamber Singers perform throughout the Mid-Atlantic region , as well as in Washington , D . C .; New York ; and throughout Europe .

The Baltimore Choral Arts Society provides a number of thoughtful and impactful music education programs that serve youth in and around Baltimore . These programs include CoroLAB , a new partnership with Overlea High School and Baltimore City College ’ s choral music programs ; Vocal Fellows , an expanded professional development program for early-career singers ; Student Composer Project , a competition for student composers in high school or college ; and Christmas for Kids . Through these four primary educational programs , Choral Arts serves the very young to early-career adult musicians .

Keur Khaleyi

The Keur Khaleyi African Dance and Cultural Institute is a 501 ( c )( 3 ) family-based , multi-generational African dance and drum institute based in Baltimore , MD , and — after an expansion in 2021 — Los Angeles . The institute ’ s mission is to preserve , present , and teach the rich culture of the African diaspora to the community at large . Based at the Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center , the institute welcomes a wide range of students : men , women , and children of all ages and of several different races and ethnic backgrounds .

The Keur Khaleyi Institute has taught in Baltimore City and County school systems , colleges , and childcare facilities for the past 12 years . During those years , the institute has also curated a number of festivals , workshops , and conferences . The institute has graced the stages of Morgan State University ’ s Murphy Fine Arts Center , Baltimore Museum of Art , American Visionary Art Museum , and the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre in

New York City .

Community Chorus of Peabody

The Community Chorus of Peabody ( CCoP ) brings adults of all ages and backgrounds to make music together in the city of Baltimore . Established in 2013 , the choir continually seeks ways to interact with the community that are meaningful and enriching for all . The CCoP engages their audiences through singing , both in their performances and in the Open Sings held throughout the year for all who wish to attend . The group has performed at city-wide Baltimore Ceasefire events , the Mayor ’ s Christmas Tree Lighting , the Patterson Park Pagoda lighting , the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore ’ s Monument Lighting , and on the streets outside the Baltimore Healthcare for the Homeless sandwich giveaway event .

28 OVERTURE / BSOmusic . org