By Zach Ciavolella

In honor of and in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Philadelphia Orchestra’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Tribute Concert returns for its 36th year. 

On Monday, Jan. 19, Marian Anderson Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts will host the free event, in partnership with Global Citizen’s Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service.

Scheduled for 3 p.m. and led by conductor Thomas Wilkins, the event will celebrate and showcase works by a number of Black composers, including John Rosamond Johnson and James Weldon Johnson’s anthem ‘Lift Every Voice and Sing,’ Richard Smallwood’s ‘Total Praise,’ and Carlos Simon’s ‘Ring Shout’ and ‘Holy Dance’ from Four Black American Dances.

“The annual Martin Luther King, Jr., concert has become a cornerstone of The Philadelphia Orchestra’s free community programming, and we are thrilled to host the concert this year in Marian Anderson Hall, bringing additional significance to the occasion,” said Ryan Fleur, president and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Ensemble Arts.

The program will also feature the Choir of the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts and the Girard College High School Choir performing John Rutter’s ‘The Lord Is My Shepherd,’ and Roderick Giles’ ‘Love Is What We Need.’

A cherished tradition of the concert, Imasogie Storyteller, Narrator, and Host Charlotte Blake Alston will recite moving excerpts from Dr. King’s legendary ‘I Have a Dream’ speech while accompanied by Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings.

The Tribute Concert is a musical celebration that highlights the traditions of Black culture through awe-inspiring musical performances, organizers said. For listeners, it is an opportunity for reflection, inspiration, and to honor Dr. King’s commitment to equality, unity, and hope, while also exploring the role of music in advancing social change.

“The Philadelphia Orchestra shares Dr. King’s belief that music has the unrivaled power to unite people and bring about positive change in the world,” said Fleur. “We look forward to demonstrating this belief and furthering our commitment to creating welcoming spaces that build belonging and community connection through the arts.”

To reserve tickets and for more information on the Philadelphia Orchestra’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr., Tribute Concert, visit philorch.org. The concert will also be broadcast live on WRTI 90.1 FM and available online at wrti.org. 

Keywords

Martin Luther King Jr.,

Philadelphia Orchestra,

Black composers,

Marian Anderson Hall,

Thomas Wilkins