Longwood Symphony Orchestra stands against racism and together in solidarity with the entire Black community. We firmly believe that Black Lives Matter and we mourn the lives lost to racial violence.
But this is not the end of the conversation – it’s just the beginning. The orchestra field, including Longwood Symphony, has a lot of work to do to dismantle systemic discrimination and inequity. As stated by the League of American Orchestras, “There is an urgent need for White people and predominantly White organizations to do the work of uprooting this racism.”
The musicians of the orchestra have stepped up to Anthony McGill’s #TakeTwoKnees challenge in protest of racial injustice, intolerance, and hatred. While we are adding our voices in this small way now, we will join our orchestra colleagues to uproot and dismantle racism across the field.
Some LSO musicians have suggested nonprofits, foundations, and other relief funds they are supporting and hope to inspire others to make donations as well.
"In learning and searching for active methods to contribute to BLM, I’ve decided to express in music what I cannot in words. Louis Armstrong’s “What a Wonderful World” was a favorite in my family growing up. This simple tune - with its lyrics almost naïve - is timeless, bringing temporary relief and comfort in times of distress. Inspired by Anthony McGill’s original #TakeTwoKnees statement, the final segment is played in minor to reflect the tragedies faced by too many in this country, tainting the “wonderful world” I once believed we live in as a child. Please consider donating to the Loveland Foundation, an organization committed to providing opportunity, therapy, and healing of communities of color, particularly to Black women and girls." -Stacie Lin, LSO Concertmaster
Dr. Mark Gebhardt, clarinet, performs “Imagine”. If you’d like to make a donation, Dr. Gebhardt suggests the Augustus A. White Institute for Health Care Equity (website coming soon).
If you'd like to make a donation to show your support, Dr. Alpert suggests donating to the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund: https://www.naacpldf.org/
If you'd like to make a donation, Dr. Denise Lotufo suggests supporting The Bail Project: https://bailproject.org/
LSO flutist Dr. Britta Swedenborg joined by Dr. Elizabeth Henske playing "Der Abschied" ("The Farewell") from Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde.
Originally set for voice, the text in English reads: "In the shadow of the pines the air is cool. I stand here and await my friend, Await his last farewell."
If you'd like to make a donation, Britta suggests supporting The Loveland Foundation: https://thelovelandfoundation.org/
“This video is for George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Eric Garner, and all black victims that have perished due to our fractured society. We must all use our voices, our music, our feet, and our votes, to end racism and make the world a better and fairer place.” -Dr. Julie Reimann, LSO cellist
If you’d like to make a donation, Dr. Reimann suggests the Southern Poverty Law Center: splcenter.org
"Today, inspired by Anthony McGill, I #TakeTwoKnees in solidarity and grief. Black. Lives. Matter." - Dr. Licia Carlson, LSO violinist
If you'd like to make a donation, Licia suggests supporting the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund: naacpldf.org
Dr. Psyche Loui, LSO violinist, is joined by her daughter.
If you’d like to make a donation, Dr. Loui suggests supporting the Massachusetts Bail Fund: www.massbailfund.org
LSO cellist Susan Robins plays Kol Nidre