Join us for a momentous evening you can’t miss!

Join us for an incredible evening celebrating 100 years of our historic playhouse. During cocktail hour, take a walk through our building and witness an incredible array of BMS ensembles and bands as you enjoy multiple open bars and hors d’oeuvres. Then, take a seat in our iconic Spanish-style playhouse for a concert featuring world-class musicians and performers across a breadth of genres and traditions. After, keep the celebration going with an open bar, dancing, and a set from DJ Logic.

History of our Playhouse

Once the founders of The Brooklyn Music School Settlement had secured the purchase of our current home, their focus shifted to a campaign to build a theater in the backyard of the brownstones. From the records we have, this campaign began in 1919 and brought together people from all walks of life. Without the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce taking the lead, the theater would never have been built. 

The community banded together, raised the funds needed to finalize the campaign, and broke ground. An article from 1925 describes the new theater as “a small, intimate Theatre equipped with all the modern devices of the stage and concert hall.” When the theater was completed in 1926, the opening was a tremendous moment for our humble school. 

Over the last century, the school has hosted performances by our students and by some of the biggest names in music and dance. We cannot wait to have you join us for an incredible evening celebrating this beloved playhouse.

Honoring Dr. Sofiya Genis

Dr. Genis has been a faculty member at Brooklyn Music School since 1996. A graduate of the Moscow Gnessin Academy of Music, she holds a Doctor of Music Arts Degree. She studied piano with renowned professors Alexander Yoheles, Yakov Milstein, and Yakov Zak, and has received critical acclaim as a chamber musician in Russia. She is a former Assistant Professor of Chamber Music at the Almaty Conservatory in Kazakhstan and at the Gnessin Academy of Music. 

In 1994, Dr. Genis came to the United States and began teaching piano. Several of her students have won competitions, including The Piano Teacher’s Congress of New York, the New York State Music Teachers’ Association, and the International Concert Alliance. Her students have performed in venues such as Weil Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall, Steinway Hall, Peter Norton Symphony Space, Christ and St. Stephen's Church, Donnell Library Center, and Yamaha Music School. For the past 7 years, Dr. Genis has served as the chairwoman of the International Competition of American Protégé.

Honoring 651 Arts

651 ARTS is a 38-year-old visionary organization dedicated to celebrating and amplifying Black arts and culture with a mission rooted in inclusivity, cultural preservation, and artistic excellence. We create spaces for transformative experiences, community engagement, and meaningful dialogue. Through a range of programming from thought-provoking conversations and immersive theater experiences to community-centered events and collaborations, 651 ARTS amplifies the voices and contributions of Black artists, fostering a stronger and more vibrant artistic landscape. 

Guided by a commitment to partnerships and collaboration, our organization forges connections with like-minded organizations and artists, combining resources to maximize impact and create innovative artistic experiences. As a catalyst for creativity and cultural expression, 651 ARTS inspires audiences, engages communities, and celebrates the rich tapestry of Black arts and culture in Brooklyn and beyond.