Forgotten Symphony Returns to Carnegie Hall During Black History Month

Nearly 100 years after its original debut, William Levi Dawson’s Negro Folk Symphony is once again being performed at Carnegie Hall, marking a major cultural moment during Black History Month.

The symphony first premiered in 1934, making Dawson only the third African American composer to have a symphony performed by a major American orchestra. Despite early praise, the work faded from public performance for decades.

That changed last year when musicians brought the symphony back to Carnegie Hall’s main stage. Composer and performer Damien Sneed helped lead the revival, describing the music as a deeply moving reflection of the Black experience in America, rooted in African American spiritual traditions.

Sneed performed with the Gateways Festival Orchestra, featuring 96 musicians of color on one stage — a moment many described as historic and emotional.

This year, the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra will continue honoring Dawson’s legacy with another Carnegie Hall performance. Musicians involved say reconnecting with this music represents more than artistic achievement — it’s about restoring lost history and acknowledging systemic barriers that once sidelined Black composers.

Billy Hunter Jr., the first Black principal trumpet of the Met Opera, says moments like this highlight progress while also reminding audiences how much work remains. Trombonist Sasha Romero added that performing Dawson’s music helps her feel connected to generations of Black history that were disrupted by slavery.

Artists involved in the revival say preserving Dawson’s work is a responsibility, ensuring future generations experience the powerful voice he contributed to American classical music.

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