In 1968, 36-year-old Henry Lewis makes history when he is chosen, over more than 150 other candidates, as the first Black conductor of a major U.S. orchestra: the New Jersey Symphony. It marks just one highlight in a barrier-breaking career that prompted The New York Times to liken him to Jackie Robinson of classical music. 

Under Lewis’ musical direction, the Newark, N.J.-based NJSO transformed from a regional ensemble that gave around two dozen performances annually into a large-scale, nationally recognized orchestra that performed 100 concerts a year. It went from playing in the shadow of New York City to performing at some of the nation’s most prestigious concert halls, including the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. 

With the symphony based in Newark, a city that had been wracked by racial unrest and rioting the year before he arrived, Lewis dedicated himself to making the orchestra—and classical music—accessible to underserved audiences. Concert tickets sold for as little as $1. And under his direction, the NJSO brought performances out of the concert hall and into local schools and community centers. Lewis continued his position as the musical director and conductor until 1976.

The Source and complete article can be found: history.com