By Shaela Foster,
Special to the AFRO
The creative direction of Jonathon Heyward, 31, the first Black and youngest music director in the history of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO), was on display Sept.23.
On day two of the three day celebration, held from Sept. 22 to Sept. 24., Marylanders were able to experience firsthand the rich sounds of the BSO musicians as they were led by Heyward and joined by the Dance Theatre of Harlem.
“We are hoping to signal to the entire community, the entire state, for that matter, that this incredible music, these incredible musicians, including Jonathon Heyward are for everyone,” said Mark C. Hanson, President and CEO of BSO.
Members of the BSO OrchKids and Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestra (BSYO) were also highlighted in the performances.
“It’s phenomenal, it’s absolutely phenomenal. Our children get to see themselves, point blank,” said Jared Perry, band director at Booker T. Washington Middle.
The BSO OrchKids initiative is a year-round program that collaborates with seven Baltimore City schools, providing in-school and afterschool workshops for students to develop musical skills.
The skills learned in Orchkids transfer to academic settings and also helps participants learn to better express themselves, their creativity and work collectively with others. The children also get the chance to work closely with some of BSO’s musicians.
When asked about the impact of the Orchkids program, Perry said the experience is invaluable.
“One of the biggest things is the immediate exposure to the arts with resources,” said Perry, who was named Teacher of the Year for Baltimore City Public Schools.
Students of the Orchkids program receive orchestra instruments to practice and perform.
“One of the biggest things for me are the camps,” Perry told the AFRO. “If the students work hard they’re going to camps that would be completely out of reach because you’re talking about inner city —you’re talking about West Baltimore. We know the challenges that they face and they’re successful everyday. To add this element of exposure is just absolutely phenomenal.”
Perry currently has 15 OrchKids students, but is hoping to get more.
During the BSO Gala, guests indulged in sounds of Bach’s Violin Concerto No.1 in A minor, choreography of Hailstork’s Symphony No.1 and a variety of classic orchestra numbers with a twist.
“It was beautiful, I cried during the show because I saw Black people on stage dancing and representation matters. That’s why I’ve been away from art so long, I didn’t see me up there,” said Aaron Dante, 43, founder of the No Pix After Dark Podcast and native of Baltimore. “When I saw a brother was from Charleston, S.C. … and I saw him doing his thing, I had to be here. As a Black man I’ve gotta be a supporter of another Black man.”
Heyward is originally from Charleston, S.C. and started musical training as a 10- year- old cellist.
While in school, he began his career as a conductor. He studied the art of conducting at the Boston Conservatory of Music and soon became an assistant conductor of the opera department. He’s conducted all over the U.S. in cities like Atlanta, Detroit and St. Louis.
His passion for education and community outreach work has skyrocketed over the last several years.
In a press release by BSO, Heyward states the collaboration with BYSO, OrchKids and the Dance Theatre of Harlem, underscores his belief in the life-changing power the arts has in its ability to inspire and uplift others.
In addition to him being the first Black and youngest music director, he is also the only “American-born leader of any major American orchestra,” according to BSO.
To end the celebration on Sept. 24 at 3:00 pm in the Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, BSO is putting on a free community concert to celebrate the return of Artscape.
“Your life will be impacted for the good. If you open your life, your mind, your heart to the possibilities that is a live symphonic concert,” Hanson said. “We can’t wait to see you. Come down to the Meyerhoff on Sunday afternoon and experience what is so special about a Baltimore Symphony concert.”
