The Artistry of Black Composers and Performers
Onstage at HSO

Explore how the Hartford Symphony Orchestra is celebrating Black artistry and fostering inclusion through performances, programs, and community discussions that honor the contributions of Black composers and performers.

The HSO has sustained efforts to feature more works by Black composers in our repertoire and welcome more Black guest artists to our stage. With support from the Roberts Foundation for the Arts, the Joyce C. Willis Artist in Residence Program champions Black artists, while the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving supports our fellowship program for early-career string musicians from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. The following performances from this season’s lineup showcase the artistry of Black composers and performers. Alongside community discussions such as The Value of the Ticket, these initiatives highlight the HSO’s efforts to create a more inclusive and dynamic future for orchestral music.  

Tchaikovsky & Bonds

December 13-15, 2024 | Bushnell Performing Arts Center

Join us for Clayton Stephenson’s debut as the 2024-2025 Joyce C. Willis Artist in Residence, performing Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto with conductor Jonathan Rush. The program also features Bonds’ The Montgomery Variations and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 3.

The Value of the Ticket 

January 15, 2025 | Hartford Public Library
Join this dynamic community conversation produced in partnership with Hartford Stage, TheaterWorks, Hartbeat Ensemble, and the Hartford Public Library. Explore how art inspires activism, empowers voices, and fosters empathy for social and structural change in our city and beyond. 

MLK Tribute Concert: The Fierce Urgency of Now 

January 23, 2025 | Asylum Hill Congregational Church 
Featuring the soulful voice of soprano Schauntice Marshall-Shepard, this annual concert pays homage to Dr. King’s legacy through music that uplifts and inspires. 

Say It Loud: A Strings Celebration of Soul 

February 5, 2025 | Hooker Live! 
Experience a vibrant evening of craft beer, wine, and soul music as the HSO string ensemble performs fresh, pop-style arrangements of songs by iconic Black artists like James Brown, Beyoncé, and Chaka Khan. 

Sirena Plays Sibelius 

February 14–16, 2025 | Bushnell Performing Arts Center 
Beloved violinist Sirena Huang returns to dazzle with Sibelius’s Violin Concerto, paired with William Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony, a stirring work inspired by African American spirituals. 

Fire Shut Up in My Bones 

April 24, 2025 | Bushnell Performing Arts Center 
The music of Terence Blanchard’s groundbreaking opera, based on Charles M. Blow’s memoir, makes its HSO debut. A poignant tale of resilience and identity, this jazz-infused opera redefines the boundaries of classical music. 

Homecoming Gala with Clayton Stephenson 

May 22, 2025 | Parkville Market 
Celebrate the vibrancy of Hartford and the close of Stephenson’s remarkable residency with this special gala, bringing together music, community, and connection. 

Rachmaninoff & Rhapsody in Blue 

June 6–8, 2025 | Bushnell Performing Arts Center 
Clayton Stephenson returns to close the season with Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, a masterpiece that bridges jazz and classical traditions, embodying the spirit of America’s cultural melting pot.Â