In an effort to support student voice and action related to the Black Lives Matter movement, The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, the UMD Office of Diversity and Inclusion and UMD Office of Multicultural Involvement and Community Advocacy in partnership with Black Terps Matter announced Vital Signs: Creative Arts for Black Lives Mini-Grants. During the 20-21 academic year, grants have been awarded to artists in the UMD community who are creating projects that affirm Black life and vitality and interrogate white supremacy and anti-Blackness.

The Parker Quartet has emerged as a premier vehicle for imaginative interpretation. With their rich tonal palette and lyrical control, Parker Quartet has offered stunning takes on Beethoven, Mendelssohn and Bartók, revealing new layers of emotional nuance. In this sensory-friendly performance, the Parker Quartet will create a welcoming and comfortable arts experience for patrons with autism and other disabilities.

Modifications include:

New York-based renowned photographer and community leader, Eva Woolridge, speaks on self-acceptance as a queer biracial Black and Chinese American woman, and leads an interactive workshop on learning to "color outside of the lines" to find your true path.

This keynote artist talk and workshop is presented by the UMD Office of Multicultural Involvement and Community Advocacy as part of Multiracial Heritage Month 2021.

Due to the unique circumstances presented by COVID-19, this year’s OperaTerps production has been reimagined as a completely original opera for the virtual stage!