Henry Lewis
#BlackExcellence
On February 15, 1968, Henry Lewis became the first African American to lead a symphony orchestra in the United States. Lewis was born in Los Angeles in 1932. At the age of 16, he was invited to join the Los Angeles Philharmonic, which then made him the first African American instrumentalist in a major symhony orchestra. In 1961, he became the assistant conductor of the Los Angeles Philharmonic and held the position until 1965. After ending his time with the LA Philharmonics, he traveled across the U.S. and abroad as guest appearances in leading orchestral ensembles. In 1968, he joined New Jersey Symphony Orchestra as the conductor and musical director.
by @mz_b24
