Synergies Returns to Heinz Hall
ACT3 Consulting Partners, UniSound, and the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra (PSO) presented the second annual “Synergies” event, an unforgettable evening honoring Pittsburgh’s Black musical talent and innovators. This special gathering is dedicated to celebrating the achievements of Black musicians and teaching artists, with a spotlight on UniSound’s Beckom-Freeman Teaching Artist-in-Residence (BTAR) recipients, BTAR alumni, and PSO’s Paul J. Ross Fellowship participants.
The evening featured remarks from honored guests, ACT3 Consulting Partners, and Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra’s President & CEO Melia P. Tourangeau, refreshments and networking, along with performances by past and present BTARs, SCALE fellows, and Paul J. Ross Fellows.
“Synergies has been an amazing event in that, for two years now, it has introduced me to like-minded musicians and activists within the context of an authentic collaborative performance. Preparing programs is possibly the most vulnerable and fulfilling skill I’ve been blessed to develop in my career. It is a wonderful experience whenever I am able to share that love with new listeners and friends.” – Current BTAR Fellow Omari I. Abdul-Alim
A cornerstone of our 2025 Synergies event was the announcement of the new name for out our BTAR programs.
“As we celebrate 5 years of UniSound’s Black Teaching Artist-in-Residence (BTAR) program, we also look ahead to its exciting new chapter. Beginning in 2026, this beloved initiative will carry a new name—the Beckom-Freeman Teaching Artist in Residence Program—in honor of two extraordinary women whose legacies reflect the very heart of our mission: O’Labrice Beckom and Henrietta Freeman.” – ACT3 Consulting Partners
Read more: The evolution of the Beckom-Freeman Teaching Artist-in-Residence (BTAR) program
