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150 Years of the Peabody Institute
George Peabody established the institute that bears his name as the
“first major intellectual and arts center in an American city.”
Peabody’s philanthropic vision transformed the cultural landscape of
19th-century Baltimore and extended the nation’s intellectual horizons.
George Peabody is considered to be the first modern philanthropist and
the impact of his gift to Baltimore endures today: it was Peabody’s
inspiration that influenced Johns Hopkins to provide for the
establishment of the university and hospital that bear his name,
William and Henry Walters to found the world-famous art museum across
Mount Vernon from The Peabody Institute, and Enoch Pratt to underwrite
America's first public library two blocks south of Peabody.
The Peabody Institute has capitalized on its heritage and international
stature to realize, and reach beyond, its founder’s vision. The first
of America’s music schools, the Peabody Institute has taken its place
among the worlds finest. In Baltimore and Maryland, across the
country, and on the international stage of major concert halls, Peabody
artist faculty, alumni, and students have exerted a profound influence
on musical life through 150 Years of Music for the World.
Celebrating 150 Years of Music for the World
To celebrate the sesquicentennial, the Peabody chapter of the Johns
Hopkins University Alumni Association set out to compile a list of 150
alumni concerts during the month of February, 2007. The alumni responded
in full force and performed in more than 220 performances in
some 27 states and 14 countries during the
month of February. From large orchestras in major concert halls, to
intimate performances in private homes, to an “I Love Peabody” concert
in North Carolina, Peabody alumni truly represented 150 Years of Music
for the World.
Students of the Recording Arts and Sciences department set about
creating a radio documentary charting the first 150 years of Peabody.
Featuring readings of historic documents and
interviews with Peabody students, alumni, and faculty, as well as local
community leaders, the documentary is a sound-rich celebration of one
of America's most prestigious conservatories of music. Jeffrey Sharkey,
Director of the Peabody Institute, also speaks of present day Peabody
and leads listeners to future successes of the Institute.
» Part 1 (mp3, 12:26)
» Part 2 (mp3, 17:58)
» Part 3 (mp3, 18:00)
Peabody crowned the celebration of its 150th Anniversary with a Gala
evening on Saturday, April 26th, 2008 attended by more than 500 patrons, friends, alumni, faculty and students.
The evening raised $150,000 for the George Peabody 150th Anniversary Scholarship Fund to provide
student financial aid.
» Photos and video from the gala
