200 alumni from across the seven UMB schools enjoyed music by Baltimore Symphony Orchestra musicians at the newly renovated historic venue within the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center.
A highly engaged group of alumni representing all six University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) professional schools and the interdisciplinary Graduate School, enjoyed a candlelight concert Feb. 7 that many attendees described as beautiful and enjoyable. Due to the overwhelming response, the concert had been moved from UMB’s Westminster Hall to the M&T Bank Exchange, the newly renovated historic venue within the France-Merrick Performing Arts Center, home of the Hippodrome Theatre.
The concert, featuring the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra’s Agnes Tse on violin, Colin Sorgi on viola, and Lachezar Kostov on cello, was attended by close to 200 people who were captivated by the music.
The performance, which was illuminated by nearly 400 flickering candles and a candlelit digital backdrop, included pieces by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Jessica Meyer, Mark Summer, and Ernst Von Dohnanyi. A short but entertaining question-and-answer session followed the performances, which was candid as well as educational as the musicians shared fun personal facts about themselves and their instruments. Afterwards, guests moved to the third level of the Exchange, where they congregated with other alumni, had the opportunity to meet the deans, and enjoyed a number of tasty appetizers and drinks, including lamb meatballs, mini-crabcakes, and tempura encrusted asparagus.
Reinforcing the importance of gathering and networking with alums, Cynthia Balentine, School of Social Work alumna, shared, “I was thrilled in oh-so-many ways. I loved the beautiful program, the remarkable artists, the chance to network and speak to administration. ... And the food was spectacular. Despite graduating many years ago, this was my first alumni event. This event was so amazing, that I’ve decided to become more involved. My guest was equally impressed. Thank you! Thank you! This was ... a gift to all alumni who attended.”
Michael Wein, an alumnus of the Francis King Carey School of Law, commented that it was “a nice way to showcase the newly opened concert area” and that he enjoyed attending “something exciting and different.”
School of Social Work alumna Amy Greensfelder summed up her feelings: “As we left [the venue], my husband and I were talking about how well-done these events are. You feel taken care of food-wise for the time of day, it's a great mix of ‘content’ and ‘mingling.’ The content is always engaging and an appropriate ‘bite’ for the time of day. As much as I like [to listen to] classical music or hear a lecture, I don't want to sit through something three hours long on a weekday — it was just right [and left me] wanting more. Well done! Keep them coming!”
While the individual schools hold events and reunions specifically for their own alumni throughout the year, events like this — that bring the University together in its entirety — reinforce that UMB is more than just its parts: Seven Schools, One University — We Are UMB!
Upcoming and past events are periodically added to the alumni website. To peruse past events such as “A Conversation with John Waters,” the Baltimore filmmaker, author, and actor; “Demystifying Cryptocurrency” with panelists Luke Cooper, JD, MBA, Sonia Siddiqui, JD, and Kevin Tu, JD; and “A Conversation with Dr. Ken Jeong,” the comedian, actor, and physician, visit the UMB alumni website.