MILWAUKEE — The Black Diaspora Orchestra in Milwaukee is hoping to bring people together with music this winter, to honor the many lives lost due to violence in 2021. 

The Black Diaspora Orchestra focuses on highlighting composers of color, specifically Black and Latin composers. Adult and high school musicians of all racial and ethnic backgrounds that believe in racial justice are encouraged to participate in the group.

“Classical music can be a point of departure of bringing different groups of people together,” said Dayvin Hallmon, founder and music director of the orchestra. 

In December, they will host their first free concert which will take place at St. Michael’s Catholic Church on Milwaukee’s north side. The concert will happen on Dec. 18 at 7 p.m. 

Hallmon said the memorial concert will honor the lives of children who have lost their lives this year due to violence in Milwaukee, missing children and will also honor healthcare workers and the lives lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

That mission inspired musicians like Fatima Gomez to join the orchestra. 

“For me, as a person of color, it was important to be really conscientious about how I re-entered this orchestral space,” said Gomez. 

Gomez has been playing the violin since she was just 7-years-old and wanted to be a part of something that could help inspire others. 

“It's invitation for everybody but especially for those Black and brown people who could use time at the end of this year to really grieve loved ones,” she said. 

Hallmon said he hopes people can be come enjoy music and be comforted by the mellow sounds of the orchestra and ultimately hopes this provides a safe space for those grieving any form of loss to come and find peace. 

“No matter where you are, if you’re looking for some kind of closure or resolution, we are here to help you on that journey with that concert,” he said. 

The Black Diaspora Orchestra is still in need of musicians to join their group. They’re in need of strings, bass, woodwinds players. If you’re interested in joining, you can contact Hallmon at 414-436-0616.