For the past 31 years, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) has allowed the community to celebrate African-American culture through its annual Black History concert, and this year will be no different. The event, set for Feb. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hilbert Circle Theatre, will honor the significant impact of African-American culture through classical and symphonic music, as well as the artistry and creativity of Black artists, conductors and composers.
The Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, which is celebrating its 20th season, will perform pre-concert. Special guests of the evening include Chelsea Tipton II, accomplished conductor and music director of the Symphony of Southeast Texas; and 17-year-old violin virtuoso Ade Williams, the 2012 First Place Laureate of the Sphinx Competition. The event, sponsored by Mays Chemical Co. and The Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper, will also honor the late Amos Brown III during a special tribute.
Jessica Di Santo, director of communications at the ISO, said she looks forward to seeing the audience members the moment they make their way through the doors of the theater.
“I love that this audience gets dressed up. It’s like an extension of their church services and is very spiritual to a lot of people,” said Di Santo. “During the concert, you can tell the music fills the hall and fills so many people with happiness. I love the sense of community this concert has.”
Di Santo said the ISO doesn’t call the event a celebration for no reason. Given that each concert is different, there is some tradition attendees can look forward to, such as the performance of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”
The ISO finds the event brings in people from all backgrounds and those who have never experienced the symphony before. This will be Williams’ first time at the ISO as well.
“I’m excited to play with the Indianapolis symphony. I’m playing (Ravel’s) “Tzigane” and (William Grant Still’s) “Summerland,” a piece that’s not performed very often, so I’m glad I get to share that with the audience,” said Williams, who shared she has been playing the violin since she was 3 years old and performed her first solo with an orchestra at age 6. “I’ve been to Indiana several times, but I haven’t spent much time in Indianapolis to get to know the people and share experiences with them.”
When it comes to getting involved in the arts, Williams believes young people should “just go for it.”
“It’s a blast to perform and to share music with people and learn new things. It also teaches you new things in all aspects of life such as discipline, management, money and career.”
Besides watching Williams perform, Di Santo said she looks forward to watching the audience’s reaction to “Adadio for Strings” by Samuel Barber, a piece she said conveys a great deal of emotion.
“It’s typically used for a number of funeral masses, but it’s a very stirring, emotional piece. It will be set to MLK’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, which is powerful on its own, but then to hear the song with it … I’m getting goose bumps just talking about it,” she said.
The ISO is very excited about a partnership with the Sphinx Organization, a Detroit-based national organization dedicated to transforming lives through the power of diversity in the arts. According to the organization’s website, “Sphinx programs reach over 100,000 students, as well as live and broadcast audiences of over 2 million annually.”
“It’s a profound organization, and this is our first time partnering with them to showcase Ade Williams for the evening. We will partner with them in the future to bring more guest artists and performers,” noted Di Santo.
Admission to the ISO’s Celebration of Black History concert is free; however, a general admission ticket is required. Patrons can reserve up to 10 tickets online or pick up tickets in advance or on the day of the concert at the ISO box office.
Seating for this event is on a first-come, first-served basis. The concert is approximately 90 minutes long and is performed without intermission.
For more information, visit IndianapolisSymphony.org.
