Baltimore Symphony Orchestra to play free concert at Fort McHenry dedicated to Key Bridge tragedy and recovery

The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra will play a free concert at Fort McHenry on June 7 at 7 p.m. dedicated to the Francis Scott Key Bridge tragedy and recovery.

The grand finale of the orchestra’s “Symphony in the City” series will cap the inaugural season under Music Director Jonathon Heyward and serve as a tribute to the lives lost, first responders and Baltimore community, according to a news release.

The bridge, within view of the fort, toppled March 26 when the Dali cargo ship lost power and struck one of its supports.

The orchestra is asking attendees for donations to the Maryland Tough Baltimore Strong Key Bridge Fund at the Baltimore Community Foundation.

The concert will also feature performances from songwriter and poet Wordsmith, and the Baltimore Symphony Youth Orchestras.

In addition to “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the program will feature a diverse selection of classical and contemporary pieces, according to the release.

“Music holds a profound power to heal and to bring us together, especially in our most challenging moments,” Heyward said in the release. “As we gather at Fort McHenry, we’re not just sharing a concert; we’re uniting in a communal experience that celebrates resilience and recovery and underscores our belief in music’s ability to comfort, connect, and inspire.”