Composed by J. Kimo Williams
A Portrait in Sound: The Spirit of Frederick Douglass
Douglass Portrait was commissioned by Jed Gaylin and the Hopkins Symphony Orchestra at Johns Hopkins University in the Summer of 2025 and performed at Shriver Hall at Johns Hopkins University on April 18th, 2026.
It is written for: Piccolo, Flutes (2), Oboe (2), English Horn, B flat Clarinet (2), Bass Clarinet, Bassoons (2), Contra Bassoon, French Horns (4), Trumpets (3), Trombones (3), Timpani, Drum Set (Optional), Percussion (4), Strings, Narrator (1), Orator (1).
Narrator text conceived and written by J. Kimo Williams. Orator texts are direct quotes from the writings and speeches of Fredrick Douglass.
© 2026 One Omik Music
"Frederick Douglass did not simply speak—he ignited. His words carried the weight of chains and the promise of their breaking.
His voice was thunder and reason, lamentation and hope. "Douglass Portrait" is my attempt to let an orchestra breathe that spirit.