“Celebration for a King,” Honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with Two Inspirational Concerts at St. Augustine Catholic Parish/ Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church

For the fourth consecutive year, the South Bend Symphony Orchestra partners with local churches to celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Hosted by Symphony Board President Dr. Marvin Curtis, presents a series of inspiring concerts that honor Dr. King’s vision of unity and highlight the contributions of African American composers.

These commemorative events bring the South Bend community together through music and reflection. This year’s program features powerful works by Florence Price and William Grant Still, performances by a community choir directed by Turrell O’Neal, unseen footage of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during his visit to South Bend, and a special preview of the trailer for The Invisible Player.

“These concerts are not just performances—they’re a tribute to the enduring spirit of Dr. King’s legacy, brought to life through the powerful voices of African American composers and the sacred space of the Black Church, where so much of this history took root,” says Dr. Marvin Curtis, President of the South Bend Symphony Board. “By bringing together local church choirs and the Symphony, we aim to create a moment where every corner of our community can connect, reflect, and find unity in the music and message of Dr. King. It’s a celebration of our shared history and a call to embrace our collective future.”

The concert series is free and open to the public, but registration is requested. Donations will be accepted. The series is supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, the African American Fund at the Community Foundation of St. Joseph County, and Jordan Lexus of Mishawaka.

EVENT DETAILS

Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 7 p.m. St. Augustine Catholic Parish 1501 W. Washington Street, South Bend, Indiana 46619

Friday, January 17, 2025, at 7 p.m. Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church 1620 S. St. Joseph Street, South Bend, Indiana 46613