‘Rise,’ a concert on Tuesday, April 19 with music by Faculty composer Judah Adashi (MM ’02, DMA ’11, Composition), poetry by Tameka Cage Conley, and performances by Lavena Johanson (MM ’13, Cello), Afro Blue, the Occasional Symphony, Howard University Choir, and the Peabody Community Chorus, was reviewed in The Baltimore Sun by classical music critic Tim Smith in an article titled “Affecting music by Baltimore composer marks Freddie Gray anniversary.””[The concert] provided a great example of how activist artists (or artistic activists) have responded to last year’s unrest; have provoked fresh thoughts about tough issues; have sought to bring people together in a search for understanding and healing,” wrote Mr. Smith. “Johanson performed the piece admirably… “Rise” was sturdily performed by Afro Blue (members of this ensemble delivered the many solos stylishly), Howard University Choir, Peabody Community Chorus and Occasional Symphony, sensitively conducted by Joshua Hong.” Read the full review here.