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Contact: Megan Ihnen, Director of External Communications
Website: www.operabaltimore.org
Opera Baltimore and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum present “Roots and Resonance: An Operatic Love Letter to Baltimore” on February 14th, 2026
BALTIMORE, MD [January 21, 2026] – Opera Baltimore and the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture present “Roots and Resonance: An Operatic Love Letter to Baltimore” on February 14th. “Roots and Resonance” serves as the kick-off event for Voices in Solidarity: Baltimore’s Black and Jewish Operatic History, a place-based initiative highlighting the deeply intertwined histories of the city’s Black and Jewish communities through music, conversation, and education, in partnership with the Reginald F. Lewis Museum and the Jewish Museum of Maryland.
On February 14th, “Roots and Resonance” opens with a moderated panel featuring scholars, archivists, and performances, anchored by music-related artifacts from the Lewis Museum. Through conversation and music, the panel examines themes of tradition, support, tension, and solidarity. Panelists include: Dr. Ida E. Jones, the Associate Director of Special Collections at Morgan State University; Nicole Steinberg, Opera Baltimore’s Cultural Programs Curator; Em Davidson, the Lewis Museum’s Collections Manager and Archivist; Ra Brave, Chief of Special Facilities at the Shake & Bake in West Baltimore; and acclaimed Baltimore-born opera singer Daniel Rich.
After a boxed lunch and tour of the museum, the afternoon culminates in “Tapestry: Heart & Soul,” a recital curated and sung by baritone Daniel Rich. A graduate of the Metropolitan Opera’s prestigious Lindemann Young Artist Development Program, Daniel Rich traces his personal and artistic journey from Baltimore to the international opera stage. The program features selections from opera and music theater, spirituals, and new works by Baltimore composers, each of which reflect different forms of love and a deep connection to home. Daniel will be joined by poet, singer, and visual artist Vincent Stringer and pianist W. Patrick Alston, Sr.
February 14th, 2026 at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum
11-12:30pm: moderated panel
12:30-2pm: catered lunch and guided tour of the Lewis Museum
2-3:30pm: recital, “Tapestry: Heart & Soul”
For tickets to this event please visit: https://lewismuseum.ticketing.veevartapp.com/groups/view/list/roots-and-resonance-an-operatic-love-letter-to-baltimore.
Voices in Solidarity is generously supported by State funds from the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority.
About Opera Baltimore
Opera Baltimore is the city’s home for world-class opera, dedicated to presenting compelling performances, community engagement, and educational initiatives that bring opera to audiences of all backgrounds. With a commitment to artistic excellence and accessibility, Opera Baltimore continues to grow as a vital part of the city’s cultural landscape. For more information, visit www.operabaltimore.org.
About The Reginald F. Lewis Museum
The Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture documents, interprets, and preserves the complex experiences, contributions, and culture of Black people in Maryland. The museum serves as a catalyst for sustained change by providing programs, exhibitions, and bold conversations that educate and challenge. For more information, visit www.lewismuseum.org.