Carlos Izcaray, the musical director of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, remembers a defining moment during his tenure with the renowned ensemble.

The orchestra collaborated with composer Dr. Brian Nabors to premiere his symphony, “Letters from Birmingham.” A composition dedicated to the city, the orchestral work was a musical journey through Birmingham’s history in four movements: “Sloss”( named after the steel industry that fueled the city’s origins), “Tuxedo Junction” (a nod to the city’s golden jazz era), “March” (a dedication to Birmingham’s civil rights history), and the finale, “The Magic City” (a celebration of the city’s enduring spirit).

The weeks of conversation and composition planted a seed for Izcaray and Nabors. The two musicians knew they wanted to work together again, and they wanted to curate an event for both professional musicians and the public.

Little by little, the idea evolved. Nabors and Izcaray wanted to feature masterclasses in conducting and composition, as well as a lineup of workshops for fundraising and behind-the-scenes production. They also wanted to include historically Black colleges and universities from around the state.

Now, Nabors and Izcaray’s vision has finally come to fruition. This weekend, UAB, the home of the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, will host MOMENTUM— a free two-day conference for early-career musicians, veteran musicians, and the public. Momentum will be the second consecutive free music conference at UAB. Last year, the university hosted MUSE, a two-day summit on music production, health, and business.

The conference, which runs from Friday, February 2 to Saturday, February 3, will feature a series of panels and masterclasses from an array of industry professionals, as well as a lineup of free performances.

After a welcome from Nabors and a keynote address from social justice organizer and film producer T. Marie King, Friday’s sessions will include panel discussions on the future of classical music and roundtable discussions about music education. The Alabama Symphony Orchestra will perform in the Jemison Concert Hall at noon. The evening featured concert will be an HBCU celebration featuring four ensembles: the Miles College Choir, the Talladega College Drumline, the Oakwood University Sinfonietta, and the Alabama State University Trombone Choir and Horn Quartet.

Saturday’s schedule will begin with a presentation from Grammy-nominated ensemble Imani Winds and a series of workshops about the use of music technology, networking, and behind-the-scenes production. The day will end with a final performance from the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and Imani Winds.

[READ THE FULL MOMENTUM SCHEDULE HERE]

Izcaray hopes MOMENTUM will grow into a local resource.

“I want everyone to know that the music is universal,” said Izcaray. “It’s a statement of humanity. It’s a blessing, especially when you give a special focus to our community.”

Izcaray is also thrilled King will be a speaker at MOMENTUM, especially after her on-stage interview with Meshell Ndegeocello at last year’s MUSE conference.  King, says Izcaray, has a passion and understanding for the symphony.

“She helps us have a vision for the future of the orchestra in the community,” said Izcaray.

Above all, Izcaray hopes MOMENTUM attendees, whether they are musicians or spectators, will recognize the Alabama Symphony Orchestra’s dedication to the community.

“We love where we are. We love our community. It’s something I want people to know,” said Izcaray. “The power of music and an orchestra to bring people together and to inspire.”