The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra announced Tuesday the return of its free, three-concert community series, Symphony in the City, on Sept. 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Morgan State University.
Held at the Gilliam Concert Hall in the Murphy Fine Arts Center, the first Symphony in the City concert of the season is led by BSO Music Director Jonathon Heyward and features selections from Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, “Pastoral,” known for its vivid depiction of nature and rural scenes. In conversation with Beethoven’s timeless work, the concert will also showcase compositions by James Lee III, whose works are infused with vibrant narratives and deep cultural resonance.
“Beginning our season with a community concert at Morgan State University is deeply meaningful,” said Heyward. “This performance not only begins our musical journey for the year but also continues the BSO’s tradition of bringing music directly to the heart of Baltimore, honoring the Symphony’s roots as an orchestra founded by the city for its people.”
Symphony in the City is a series that intentionally aligns concerts and venues with community celebrations. The concert at Morgan State University not only marks the start of a new academic year but also honors the university’s connection to the BSO’s new composer-in-residence, Lee, who serves as a faculty member there.
His BSO residency will feature two world premieres during the 2024-25 concert season and encompass an educational component with students from BSO OrchKids and the Baltimore School of the Arts, including compositions, mentorship, and workshop performances.
“The fact that the Morgan community, and the surrounding community at large, will have an opportunity to experience the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, led by their new Music Director Jonathon Heyward, live on our campus, is simply amazing,” said Eric Conway, DMA, chair of the Fine and Performing Arts Department and director of the choir at Morgan State University. “This moment is further elevated by having the work of a respected Morgan faculty member, Dr. James Lee III, on display for all to enjoy. We are fortunate and thankful to the BSO for selecting Morgan as the location for the season’s first Symphony in the City concert.”
The Symphony in the City series will continue with performances across Baltimore, including a tribute to Veterans on Nov. 20 at War Memorial and a celebration of Black History Month on Feb. 7 at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum.
Reservations are appreciated but not required. Learn more at https://www.bsomusic.org/symphony-in-the-city/.