On January 20, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra performed the world premiere of “Freedom’s Genuine Dawn” by songwriter and philanthropist Anthony Parker, better known as “Wordsmith” and James Lee III, a composer, pianist and professor at Morgan State University.
The powerful composition was inspired by Frederick Douglass’ speech “What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?”.
“We wanted to really use it as a moment, not just to entertain, but to teach as well…”
Click the audio to hear Wordsmith discuss the original body of work, his partnership with the BSO and more!
Debuting an original body of work called “Freedom’s Genuine Dawn” with composer James Lee III and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra January 20th and 23rd!
— Wordsmith (@Wordsmith) January 8, 2022
Proud to present this piece as it’s based on the Fredrick Douglas speech “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” #BLM pic.twitter.com/EHqrZ2fr92
