This special community performance in celebration of the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will take place at the B&O Railroad Museum on Monday, January 15, 2024 at 7:00 PM. The concert will include selections by prominent African American composers such as Florence Price, Duke Ellington, and Carlos Simon, as well as the world premiere of a new work by BSO Artistic Partner Wordsmith.

Commissioned by the Baltimore Symphony, Wordsmith’s powerful new work, in his words,

"Explore[s] the beginnings of American Railroading at the B&O, its impact during the civil war, how it shaped our economy and the roots of the Underground Railroad. The birth of a new way to travel is documented through intimate storytelling, narration, spoken word, powerful choral arrangements, and a cinema worthy score. Unearthed stories from Henry Box Brown, William & Ellen Craft, and more shine a light on the traumatic ordeal’s slaves had to endure to prove their freedom. The B&O Railroad is not just a landmark; it holds a treasure trove of stories that have shaped our country!"  

Please join us for a reverent, uplifting, and moving performance paying tribute to Dr. King’s message of equality and unity.

Artists
Jeri Lynne Johnson, conductor
Wordsmith, spoken word artist
Nazarene Maloney (soprano)
Samone Scriber (soprano)
Asia Haynie (mezzo-soprano)
Jaillah Wehye (mezzo-soprano)
Oguchi Ebunine (tenor)
Darrin Scott (tenor)
Dorian Forbes (baritone) 
Cameron Potts (bass).

Repertoire
CARLOS SIMON "The Block"
ELLINGTON (arr. Henderson, red. Blanchard) Three Black Kings
     III. Martin Luther King
BONDS Montgomery Variations
     VI. Lament
     VII. Benediction
STILL Symphony No. 1, "Afro-American"
     I. Longing: Moderato assai
PRICE Symphony No. 3
     III. Juba: Allegro
WORDSMITH Network to Freedom (world premiere, BSO commission)

Venue
B&O Railroad Museum