Opera Baltimore and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture are excited to present “Roots and Resonance: An Operatic Love Letter to Baltimore” on Saturday, February 14. However, this event moves beyond the confines of a typical love story.
“Roots and Resonance” serves as the inaugural event for a new initiative that emphasizes the rich and intertwined histories of Baltimore’s Black and Jewish communities. This initiative, known as “Voices in Solidarity: Baltimore’s Black and Jewish Operatic History,” aims to highlight the enduring relationships that have formed through music, dialogue, and education.
On February 14, participants can look forward to a moderated panel featuring an array of scholars, archivists, and performers, as well as music-related artifacts from the Lewis Museum. The panel intends to delve into various themes such as tradition, mutual support, moments of tension, and the essence of solidarity through engaging conversations and performances.
Among the distinguished panelists is Dr. Ida E. Jones, who serves as the associate director of Special Collections at Morgan State University; Nicole Steinberg, the cultural programs curator for Opera Baltimore; Em Davidson, the collections manager and archivist at the Lewis Museum; Ra Brave, chief of special facilities at Shake & Bake in West Baltimore; and the celebrated opera singer Daniel Rich, who hails from Baltimore.
This event will also provide attendees with a boxed lunch and a guided tour of the museum, culminating in the recital titled “Tapestry: Heart & Soul,” which will be curated and performed by baritone Daniel Rich. A graduate of the esteemed Lindemann Young Artist Development Program at the Metropolitan Opera, Rich will share his journey from Baltimore to the global opera scene. His performance will feature a range of pieces from opera, musical theater, spirituals, and new compositions by Baltimore composers, with each selection highlighting different aspects of love and a connection to home. He will be accompanied by poet and artist Vincent Stringer, along with pianist W. Patrick Alston, Sr.
For those interested in attending, tickets can be purchased via the Reginald F. Lewis Museum’s website. The ticket prices are set at $15 for adults, while seniors, college students, military personnel, and youth aged 7-17 can enjoy a reduced price of $12. Children aged 6 and under can enter for free. Additionally, the boxed lunch is available for an extra $20.
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture is conveniently situated at 830 East Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD.
