Boston-born violinist Thomas Cooper will take the stage with the Boston Landmarks Orchestra for two free concerts in Jamaica Plain and Dorchester to ring in 2026. Black talent is at the heart of this program. The orchestra will perform works by Black composers, as well as others, spanning 1775 to 2019.

Performing free concerts at the start of the year has become a tradition of the orchestra. It has previously performed concerts centered on Three Kings Day, a celebration of the magi that is popular in Latin American communities, and reflections on renewal.

“This year, we turn to themes of hope, goodwill and humor — qualities that resonate throughout the program, but especially in the opening and closing music by Vaughan Williams,” said Boston Landmarks Orchestra Music Director Christopher Wilkins. “We’re also thinking of America’s anniversary year: both Mozart’s Symphony in D and Joseph Bologne’s Violin Concerto were composed 250 years ago.”

Bologne, also known as Chevalier de Saint-Georges, was a mixed-race contemporary of Mozart who was popular in his day and has been increasingly celebrated as orchestras seek to reflect more diverse histories. The two musicians even lived together for a time, a fact Cooper will touch on during the performance. In addition to Bologne and Mozart, the program also features “Ye, Who Seek the Truth” by Julia Perry, “Umoja” by Valerie Coleman and other melodies.

Cooper began his musician training at home, where he played piano with his mother and sister before transitioning to violin. He studied at the New England Conservatory and Oberlin Conservatory and now plays on global stages stretching from Boston’s cobblestone streets to Hong Kong, Israel, Italy, Germany and many other cities.

“We’re excited to collaborate with Thomas Cooper, a terrific musician who is Boston-born and educated, and with whom we’ve hoped to work for many years,” Wilkins said. “Thomas has a special interest in the music of Joseph Bologne and brings with him an authoritative new edition he has prepared of Bologne’s best-known violin concerto.”

The performances will take place Jan. 9 at 7 p.m. at Bethel AME Church in Jamaica Plain and Jan. 10 at 3 p.m. at the Ray and Joan Kroc Center in Dorchester. The concerts are free but attendees are encouraged to register via Eventbrite.

Wilkins hopes the concert provides an opportunity for rest, joy and musical immersion early in the year before the stresses of day-to-day life take over.

“We are thrilled to bring such a vibrant and inspiring program to the heart of Boston’s neighborhoods,” he said. “The new year is a time for renewal, and this concert is a celebration of the depth and breadth of orchestral music, offering moments of both reflection and sheer joy.”

ON THE WEB

Learn more at landmarksorchestra.org/events/2026-season and thomascooperviolin.com