The Hartford Symphony Orchestra (HSO) is proud to present an unforgettable evening of music featuring the works of six-time Grammy-winning composer Terence Blanchard. As part of the 2024-2025 Masterworks Series, this special concert takes place on April 24, 2025, at 8 PM at The Bushnell in Hartford, and showcases the power of Blanchard’s compositions, seamlessly blending jazz, opera, and symphonic music.

Blanchard, a celebrated jazz trumpeter and composer, made history with his opera Fire Shut Up in My Bones, the first opera by a Black composer performed at the Metropolitan Opera. This concert will feature a special concert suite of Fire Shut Up in My Bones alongside breathtaking selections from his acclaimed film scores, including Malcolm X, Harriet, and Blackkklansman.

Program Highlights:

This thrilling program will be conducted by HSO Music Director Carolyn Kuan and features an outstanding lineup of guest artists:

• Terence Blanchard, trumpet & composer
• Soprano Janinah Burnett & baritone Will Liverman
• The E-Collective, Blanchard’s dynamic jazz ensemble
• Selections from Fire Shut Up in My Bones – 11 arias and excerpts from the opera
• Video projections by Andrew F. Scott & Matthew Unkenholz, bringing the music to life

This concert is a rare opportunity to experience the power of Blanchard’s music performed live, blending raw emotion, storytelling, and stunning visuals. Audiences will be transported through music that speaks to history, resilience, and the beauty of artistic expression.

Program*

Blanchard Suite from Malcolm X †

Blanchard Suite from Harriet †

Blanchard Suite from Blackkklansman †

Blanchard Fire Shut Up In My Bones Concert Suite ‡

† created from films scored by Terence Blanchard

‡ Eleven (11) arias & excerpts from the Opera by Terence Blanchard

*Program subject to change

Featuring:

Terence Blanchard, trumpet & composer

The E-Collective

Andrew F. Scott & Matthew Unkenholz, video projections

Carolyn Kuan, conductor

Janinah Burnett, soprano

Will Liverman, baritone

This concert is graciously sponsored by Eversource, Fairview Capital, Trinity Health, The Katharine K. McLane & Henry R. McLane Charitable Trust, Paula Silas Guy & John Guy, Greater Hartford Arts Council, The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving, The Legacy Foundation, Floyd Green, and Hartford Healthcare.

Tickets are available now at www.hartfordsymphony.org