In the USM Symphony Orchestra season finale, the orchestra recognizes the monumental challenges of social justice in our country.  As the centerpiece of a week of activities bringing attention to social and racial justice issues, the Symphony Orchestra is joined by Sphinx Competition winner and Avery Fisher Grant recipient, Xavier Foley. Mr. Foley is a double bass soloist, composer and social justice activist. He will be joined by our own John Uzodinma on violin performing Foley’s composition For Justice and Peace. The Symphony Orchestra continues the theme of the week performing Shostakovich’s Symphony No. 10 – the first of his symphonies written after the oppressive Stalin regime had ended. In this work, we hear the full range of Shostakovich’s enormous talent, free of the suppression of the communist bloc.