OperaCréole Debuts May 21 With Music of Edmond Dédé, Lucien Lambert, Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges & William Grant Still

The Louisiana Creole Research Association

and

The Catholic Cultural Heritage Center

Present

OperaCréole!

in their Inaugural concert

6-8 p.m. Saturday May 21, 2011

at the historic Saint Mary's Church

adjacent to the Old Ursuline Convent

The French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana.

OperaCréole

Givonna Joseph, mezzo-soprano, Director

Aria Mason, mezzo-soprano

Vickie Thomas, soprano

Crystal Morris, soprano

Tyrone Chambers, tenor

Romel Brumley-Kerr, bass-baritone

Wilfred Delphin. piano

special guest, Marcus St. Julien, organ

The Louisiana Creole Research Association, or LA Creole, is dedicated to preserving Creole culture through historical/genealogical research, educational programs, and celebrations.

New Orleans is the First City of Opera, presenting the first opera in America on May 22, 1796. From the early nineteenth century, the city’s Creoles of color have been great supporters of opera, and composed and performed the finest classical music. For several decades, the organists of Saint Mary’s Church were among the members of the free Creole community. Among these organists, was Samuel Snaer, who composed a Mass for Three (male) Voices, which was widely known.

It was in Saint Mary's Church, that Venerable Henriette Delille, a free Creole of color, and the early Sisters of the Holy Family were solemnly professed in 1852.

Program:

(1) U.S. Premiere of scenes from La Flamenca by Lucien Lambert (1858-1945), the son of New Orleans free Creole composer, Charles Lucien Lambert (1828-1896) - who was one of three free Creole composers (including Snaer and Bares) who were organists at St. Mary's before leaving New Orleans. Lucien, fils studied with Massenet in Paris, and debuted La Flamenca at the Théâtre Gaité in Paris, 10 days after Herodiade opened the 1903 season. OperaCréole intends to present the full opera soon.

(2) Scenes and arias by other composers of color: Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges, and William Grant Still will also be presented, as well as the work of Creole composers Edmond Dede and Samuel Snaer.

(3) The program will also pay tribute to N.O. African American opera pioneers, and Sr. Elise Sisson, SBS (formerly with The Met), who began the opera program at Xavier University in the 1940s.

Admission is free however, seating is limited. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m. For more information, visit http://www.lacreole.org or http://www.operacreole.com.

Givonna Joseph,

Director, OperaCréole

[Edmond Dédé (1827-1903); Lucien-Leon Guillaume Lambert, Jr. (1858-1945); Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745-1799); and William Grant Still (1895-1978) are profiled at AfriClassical.com, which features a comprehensive Works List for William Grant Still by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma of Lawrence University Conservatory]

Nathaniel Dett Chorale: 'And Still We Sing...Esperanza y Luz' with 'Arise My Beloved' of Adolphus Hailstork, Toronto May 25 & 28

Nathaniel Dett Chorale

Date: May 25 & 28, 2011

Time: 8:00pm

Location: Glenn Gould Studio; 250 Front Street W.

Tickets: Regular $39.50; Senior $35, Student $30 –

http://www.nathanieldettchorale.org or (416) 340-0550

And Still We Sing...Esperanza y Luz is the final installment of The Nathaniel Dett Chorale’s 2010/2011 Toronto series. A lush program with an underlying theme of hope and light, this concert presentation will illuminate many colourful facets of the African Diaspora with alluring works from a variety of renowned composers.

The Chorale embraces the music of Silvio Rodriguez offering beautiful arrangements from his musical opus, including his Venga la Esperanza which is loosely translated to mean “Hope Comes”. Una Forma Más, a piece by René Baños which was co-edited by Nathaniel Dett Chorale alumnus Jamie Hillman, is an expressive work that embodies traditional Cuban rhythms and conveys the Latin spirit through the positive message of hope. The concert is rounded out with compelling settings by Adolphus Hailstork, including his Arise My Beloved; as well as Carlos Alberto Pinto Fonseca’s Missa Afro-Brasiliera – a fan favourite that will be the focus of a soon-to-be-recorded CD.

Join us on May 25 & 28 for And Still We Sing...Esperanza y Luz – an evening of exquisite music designed to inspire, ignite and invigorate the spirit. Whether singing in Latin, English, Spanish or Portuguese, hope and light are the same in any language. [R. Nathaniel Dett (1882-1943) and Adolphus C. Hailstork (b. 1941) are profiled at AfriClassical.com]

Patrick D. McCoy: “Sidney Outlaw was the baritone soloist in Mendelssohn's 'Elijah' Wednesday, April 27”

[ABOVE: Poster of Oratorio Society of New York BELOW: Baritone Sidney Outlaw in Mendelssohn's 'Elijah' with the Oratorio Society of New York (Photo Credit: Joe Kohen, The New York Times)]

Patrick D. McCoy, Freelance Arts Reporter, sends the above photo and this caption to AfriClassical:

“Sidney Outlaw was the baritone soloist in Mendelssohn's 'Elijah' with the Oratorio Society of New York on Wednesday, April 27.”

OratorioSocietyofNY.org

“SIDNEY OUTLAW

Baritone

Baritone Sidney Outlaw recently completed the prestigious Merola Opera Program where he performed Dr. Dulcamara (L'elisir d'amore). Performances this season include a Schwabacher Debut Recital and an appearance with St. Louis Opera Theatre. Highlights of previous season include the roles of Malcolm (Malcolm X), Xerxes (Ariodante), Demetrius (A Midsummer Night’s Dream), Papageno (Die Zauberflöte), and his international debut as Guglielmo (Così fan tutte) in both Germany and Israel. With the Florida Grand Opera Young Artists, he appeared in Madama Butterfly, La Cenerentola, La Traviata, and Giulio Cesare.”

Mickey Thomas Terry Performs Organ Works of George Walker & Thomas Kerr, John F. Kennedy Center May 9

[Mickey Thomas Terry Ph.D.]

Mickey Thomas Terry will be appearing in solo organ recital at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC, on May 9th at 6pm in the Concert Hall. The program will consist of the following works:

J.S. Bach [Prelude and Fugue in D Major]

George Walker [Chorale Prelude on 'Wir Sind Hier"]

Charles Tournemire [Choral Improvisation on Victimae Paschali]

Marcel Dupre [Prelude and Fugue in G Minor]

Horatio Parker ["Allegretto" from the E Flat Minor Sonata]

Thomas Kerr ["Reverie for Strings" from Suite Sebastienne]

Franz Liszt [Fantasia and Fugue on BACH]

The Walker and Kerr pieces appear in MorningStar Music Publishers' critically-acclaimed "African-American Organ Music Anthology," edited by Mickey Thomas Terry. Admission is free to the public.

[George Walker (b. 1922) is profiled at AfriClassical.com. His personal website is: http://georgetwalker.com/]

NorthJersey.com: 'George Walker is honored by Newark School of the Arts'

[(Photo Courtesy of Ausrine Dereskeviciute) George Walker, right, enjoys the moment with his friend Kevin Maynor, board member of Newark School of the Arts.]

Thursday, April 28, 2011

NorthJersey.com

The Montclair Times

“George Theophilus Walker of Montclair was the artistic honoree at the Newark School of the Arts' 17th annual cabaret fundraiser, held April 20 at New Jersey Performing Arts Center. Walker, a composer and pianist, was the first African-American man to receive the Pulitzer Prize in music, for his work 'Lilacs for Voice and Orchestra.'

“'It is heartening to know how much the Newark School of the Arts is contributing to the personal lives of its students and the community at large,' Walker, 88, told the audience. 'Having the opportunity to study and perform music, dance, drama and visual arts at a young age is like opening the window to a perspective that has no boundaries.'

“A tribute to Walker was delivered by Kevin Maynor, a NSA board member and a friend of Walker's. Maynor, a professional bass singer, sang a composition that Walker wrote when he was 24 years old but did not hear performed for seven years and then waited another 43 years before hearing it in concert. 'I am particularly pleased that some of my music has been included on the program,' Walker said. 'A composer exists when his music is heard.'" [Composer George Walker (b. 1922) has a website at: http://georgetwalker.com/ and is featured at AfriClassical.com]

Guardian (UK): 'Winnie the Opera mixes classical and African music performed by the KwaZulu-Natal philharmonic orchestra.'

[The Soweto-born soprano singer Tsakane Maswanganyi performs the lead role in Winnie the Opera. Photograph: Themba Hadebe/AP]

South African composer Bongani Ndodana-Breen sends us this review:

Winnie the Opera premieres with all eyes on Winnie the spectator

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela understood to have given English- and Xhosa-language opera her blessing ahead of Pretoria debut

Louise Redvers in Johannesburg

Friday April 29 2011

The Guardian

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/28/winnie-madikizela-mandela-opera-premiere

“The opening night of Winnie the Opera won a standing ovation, but the biggest cheer of the night was for Mrs Madikizela-Mandela herself, as she took to the stage saying the moment had 'surpassed all previous accolades'. The 74-year-old sat among family and friends at the State Theatre in Pretoria to watch last night's world premiere of the much-anticipated opera which tells the story of her life as the wife of former South African president Nelson Mandela, and her role in the country's anti-apartheid struggle.

“As the curtain came down, she was escorted to the stage to beam at the audience, who broke into chants of "amandla" power. 'In all my career of fighting, I've never been short of words, but tonight I am,' she said. 'This is the first time I have got such accolades from my country, this surpasses anything I have known.' Praising the young, all-South-African cast, Madikizela-Mandela said: 'This reminds us as leaders what we fought for and sacrificed so much. I am glad and proud that this production had its world premiere in our nation's capital.'”

“Winnie the Opera mixes classical and African music performed by the KwaZulu-Natal philharmonic orchestra. The South African-Canadian producer and librettist Warren Wilensky said: 'This is such an important story to tell. Winnie is truly an icon of South Africa's chequered past and her story is as compelling as it is relevant.' Winnie the Opera runs until 3 May at the State Theatre in Pretoria. An international tour is expected, although no details have been announced.”

Patrick D. McCoy: 'Opera's Own Royal Wedding: Diva Angela M. Brown Marries Her Prince In Paris'

[Angela M. Brown and Blaise Argelier (Photo courtesy of Angela M. Brown)]

Patrick D. McCoy, “The African-American Voice in Classical Music,” sends AfriClassical this news about Angela M. Brown and Blaise Argelier:

“Opera's Own Royal Wedding: Diva Angela M. Brown Marries Her Prince In Paris”

http://www.examiner.com/performing-arts-in-washington-dc/opera-s-own-royal-wedding-diva-angela-m-brown-marries-her-prince-paris

Patrick D. McCoy, Freelance Arts Reporter

Ritz Chamber Music Society Recital Series May 8, 'Friday Musicale' includes '2 Miniatures' of Jeffrey Mumford

[Jeffrey Mumford]

Ritz Chamber Music Society

May 8

at the "Friday Musicale" Jacksonville, Florida

with Craig Ketter, piano

Program:

Debussy Sonata

Jeffrey Mumford 2 Miniatures

Philip Lasser Chaconne Variations

Strauss Sonata

Ravel Tzigane

Kelly Hall-Tompkins & Craig Ketter Perform Debussy, Strauss & Ravel at Lambert Bridge April 29

[Kelly Hall-Tompkins and Lambert Bridge Winery]

Recital and Reception at Lambert Bridge Winery

Sonoma County California

Friday April 29, 2011

6pm

Kelly Hall-Tompkins, violin
with Craig Ketter, piano

Tickets $75

Program:

Debussy Sonata

Strauss Sonata

Ravel Tzigane

Patrick D. McCoy: 'Announcing The Wachner Project: 29hrs in the life of the noted conductor'

[ABOVE: Patrick D. McCoy BELOW: Julian Wachner]

Patrick D. McCoy documents the noted conductor Julian Wachner at the crossroads of three major music events: The Music of Elena Ruehr in DC, Bach at One in NYC and back in DC for Mahler rehearsals.

Apr 27, 2011 – The African-American Voice in Classical Music, Patrick D. McCoy recently covered a triptych of musical events in the life of conductor Julian Wachner: The Music of Elena Ruehr, Bach at One at Trinity Church-NYC and back for rehearsals of Mahler in DC with The Washington Chorus. McCoy was afforded the opportunity to travel with Wachner to NYC to get an in depth look at his work at Trinity Church and the first press to cover the mammoth Bach at One Series, a groundbreaking series dedicated to presenting a full Bach cantata every Monday at 1 p.m.

Access THE WACHNER PROJECT by visiting:

http://www.examiner.com/performing-arts-in-washington-dc ...

JULIAN WACHNER (b. 1970)

A native of Hollywood, California, Wachner was introduced to music at an early age with cello and piano lessons at the University of Southern California at age 4. As a chorister in the St. Thomas Choir School in New York City, he studied with Gerre Hancock. Graduating with a Doctor of Musical Arts degree from Boston University’s School for the Arts, he studied with notable teachers, including David Hoose and Lukas Foss. For a complete biography, http://www.julianwachner.com.

Buffalo Opera Unlimited Presents 'A Tribute to William Grant Still' 3 PM, May 22

[William Grant Still]

University of Buffalo

State University of New York

A Tribute to William Grant Still

Drama Theatre

Sunday, May 22

3:00PM

$25, $20 seniors & students

“Buffalo Opera Unlimited will present a program dedicated to the music of William Grant Still. He was considered the 'dean' of African-American composers. He was first to conduct a major symphony orchestra, first to have his symphony and opera performed by a major orchestra and major opera company.

“The program will include the Afro-American Symphony, chamber and vocal works. The highlight of the program will be a work for orchestra, singers and dancers entitled Sahdji , based on an African folk tale.” [William Grant Still (1895-1978) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, where a complete Works Lists by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma is featured.]

Lauren Keiser Music Pub.: George Walker 'commissioned by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra to write a new concert opener.'

[George Walker]

Lauren Keiser Music Publishing announces:

“George Walker has been commissioned by the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra to write a new concert opener. The much-anticipated NJSO Premiere is scheduled for 2012 will be the latest by the Pulitzer Prize-winning composer following the debut of his acclaimed Concerto for Violin and Orchestra with the Philadelphia Orchestra during the 2009-10 season. Dr. Walker has received over 30 works commissions in his career from esteemed institutions including the Eastman School and the Koussevitsky Foundation. He is the only living composer-pianist to have been inducted into the American Classical Music Hall of Fame.” [Composer George Walker (b. 1922) has a website at: http://georgetwalker.com/ and is featured at AfriClassical.com]

'Berklee City Music And Music Unites Celebrate Quincy Jones With Tribute Performance' in NYC 9:45 PM, April 28

[Quincy Jones and President Barack Obama (Photo by Ruth David)]

Julie Holland of Triple 7 Public Relations, LLC tells AfriClassical of a tribute to Quincy Jones:

BERKLEE CITY MUSIC AND MUSIC UNITES CELEBRATE QUINCY JONES WITH TRIBUTE PERFORMANCE AT TRIBECA FILM FESITVAL

Tribeca Film Institute, Hiro Ballroom

Thursday, April 28th | 9:45pm (rehearsals 4:45pm)

“WHAT: Students from the Berklee City Music ensemble and the Harlem-based Harbor Conservatory for the Performing Arts, Boys and Girls Harbor, Inc. honor legendary musician and music education advocate Quincy Jones with a musical tribute including the Lioness Hunt from "The Lion King" on Broadway.

“WHEN: Performance - Thursday April 28, 9:45–10:20pm

Rehearsals - Thursday April 28, 4:45-5:20pm

“WHY: Since 2009 Grammy Award-winning producer, arranger, composer, and Berklee College of Music alumnus Quincy Jones has served as Berklee City Music Ambassador and championed the organization's cause to bring music education to children in under-served communities. Mr. Jones cited Berklee City Music as a model for youth music programs and has been an inspiration to the children who benefit from programs like Berklee City Music and Music Unites. Now the children are honoring Mr. Jones and showing their appreciation with a musical tribute.

“LOCATION: Tribeca Film Instititute

Legacy Celebration: Quincy Jones

Hiro Ballroom

88th 9th Ave

New York, NY”

“ABOUT QUINCY JONES:

An impresario in the broadest and most creative sense of the word, Quincy Jones’ career has encompassed the roles of composer, record producer, artist, film producer, arranger, conductor, instrumentalist, TV producer, record company executive, magazine founder and multi-media entrepreneur. As a master inventor of musical hybrids, he has shuffled pop, soul, hip-hop, jazz, classical, African and Brazilian music into many dazzling fusions, traversing virtually every medium, including records, live performance, movies and television.

ABOUT BERKLEE CITY MUSIC:

Berklee City Music is a nonprofit program offered by Berklee College of Music that provides music education to 4th to 12th graders in under-served communities. With year-round instruction, expert faculty, individualized mentoring, and a comprehensive curriculum, Berklee City Music combines the breadth of Berklee resources, facilities, and available scholarships with an environment of attention and encouragement. Kids get the tools and support they need to flourish as students, musicians, and—perhaps most important—confident and well-rounded individuals ready to shape their world.

“ABOUT MUSIC UNITES:

Music Unites is a a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to bringing music education to underprivileged children in under-funded inner city school systems. Music Unites goal is to connect people through the universality of music by providing communities with opportunities for a rich musical experience. This is achieved by offering established and emerging musicians performance opportunities in a variety of venues and locations, including schools, where they act as mentors to the students.”

'Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges: An Extraordinary Contemporary of Mozart' by Michelle Garnier-Panafieu

Jean-Claude Halley of Guadeloupe has informed us of the release today of a new book in French about Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges. The title can be translated as: Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges: An Extraordinary Contemporary of Mozart. The book was written by Michelle Garnier-Panafieu and was published by YP Éditions. It is a special edition for the first International Saint-Georges Festival, in 2011. The book is being presented to the public for the first time at two events today, 10:00 AM and 7:00 PM, April 27, 2011. At 7:00 PM the author will give a presentation which could be translated as An Extraordinary Musician in Enlightenment France.

Michelle Garnier-Panafieu is a Musicologist with a Ph.D. in Music, and does research as well as teaching. She is presently a lecturer at the University of Rennes II in the field of Music History.

Music of Dmitro Bortniansky, Gabriel Fauré & Joseph Bologne, Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges 8 PM April 29, Cathedral of Basse-Terre

8 PM Friday, April 29

Cathedral of Basse-Terre

Orchestra and Choirs of the Festival

Dmitro Bortniansky

Gabriel Fauré

Joseph Bologne, Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges

Saint-Georges International Festival

Boston Globe: “Historic Opera 'Treemonisha' to be presented at Roxbury Center for Arts”

Boston Globe

Posted by Matt Rocheleau

April 25, 2011 09:00 AM

By Boston.com Staff

“Considered the first grand opera written by an African-American composer, Scott Joplin's Treemonisha will be presented at the Roxbury Center for Arts at Hibernian Hall the last weekend in April. The performances from April 29 through May 1 are a collaborative effort of the arts center, Mssng Lnks and Opera Boston. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged. The Friday and Saturday shows begin at 8 p.m., while Sunday's begins at 3 p.m.

“Completed in 1910 by Joplin, who was also know as the 'King of Ragtime,' Treemonisha was not fully staged until 1972 - more than five decades after Joplin's death. 'The musical styles speak directly to modern audiences—from heartfelt arias to rousing ragtime choruses,' said an announcement from the arts center. 'This production of Treemonisha is the Boston premiere of the opera.'

“Principal roles will be played by four professional singers and two aspiring professionals.” “The ensemble members range in age from 13 to 21. The average is 16 years old.” “Students were chosen 'not only for their vocal skills, but also for their willingness to commit to the project, work hard and take artistic risks," event officials said. "For many it is their first time participating in a staged production." “Mssng Lnks Founder, Sam Martinborough is the production's Stage Director.” “For more information visit http://www.madison-park.org or call Dillon Bustin at 617-849-6322.” [Scott Joplin (1868-1917) was a Ragtime and Classical composer who is profiled at AfriClassical.com]

51st Music Kitchen Performance: Kelly Hall-Tompkins, violin and Kyle Armbrust, viola

[51st Music Kitchen]

Violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins, Founder and President of Music Kitchen: Food for the Soul, sends AfriClassical this account of the 51st Music Kitchen Performance:

Mozart and Handel-Halvorsen Duos for Violin and Viola

Kelly Hall-Tompkins, violin

Kyle Armbrust, viola

“This evening’s performance was such a dynamic and beautiful interaction that it is a perfect example of why I founded Music Kitchen. This was the first concert of the shelter season at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, and what an absolutely warm, wonderful group of men were in attendance this evening. Kyle and I brought our Mozart G major duo and Handel-Halvorsen to this location, same as at Turning Point on Tuesday of this week. Here the men are not residents, but are brought in for the night, having to leave early in the morning as part of the arrangement. Kyle and I were rehearsing a bit of our duo as they arrived but stopped short when they entered so as not to give anything away too soon. 'That's nice,' someone said, 'don't stop.' I assured him that we would begin in earnest in a few minutes.

“Unlike some occasions when the men enter with a sense of edginess or apprehension, this group was very easy-going and open right away. They came in, made up their beds then sat at the tables facing us eagerly. And right away, before we officially started to play, the dynamic interaction began. One energetic and outgoing man, 'Donny' said, 'Wow- I mean we’re at a shelter. I wasn’t expecting this. This is great! I can’t believe it. I mean we’re at a shelter, you know?' The same man continued, 'Do you have anything meditative? I mean I spent the whole day looking for a job; I’m just so stressed out.' We told him that we had just the perfect thing for him - the lovely, singing slow movement of the G major he would soon discover.

“But after they applauded our first movement, they brimmed over with fascinated questions. When did we start, what type of wood is a violin made out of, what’s the difference between a violin and viola, who invented the violin, which one of the composers was deaf, did Mozart know Beethoven and on and on, many more questions that I no longer remember. We were excited to share more music with them as they were obviously drinking it all in. Also clear was that there was vast knowledge base and curiosity among the people gathered tonight. We played that singing slow movement and 'Donny' said it was exactly what he needed.

“Another man, obviously very intelligent but a bit more reserved added his one word commentary- 'Bellissimo.' 'I knew it,' I said. 'You are a musician.' 'In another life,' he said, unwilling to reveal more. We finished the piece after another long round of laughs and discussion. More people had gotten into the game than just Donny and we all enjoyed the easy interaction. 'You’re like the chorus' one man said to Kyle, 'and you’re like the lead melody.' Great observation I told him, but we also explained how chamber music has rotating roles at different times, depending on what period of music. We went on to the 3rd movement of the Mozart, which was followed by enthusiastic applause.

“I concluded by asking, almost rhetorically, 'So what do you think of Mozart?' 'I like him, but I would have to hear his competition to really judge.' Interesting response! We went on to the Handel-Halvorsen, - the work based on a Baroque melody with the full throated romantic virtuosic treatment. They responded very much to the more emphatic style of music and asked how that was achieved, how the pressure of the bow affected the sound. 'And clearly you love the music, you can see it' one said of us. This performance could have lasted several more hours if we had had them to spend.

“They asked us many more questions about the music and had more laughs and discussion. They were eager to continue. When we finally put our instruments away, 'Donny' and many of the men thanked us for being there. 'You are a real humanitarian for doing this. I wish there were more people like that.' Several men wanted to know more about my process of founding Music Kitchen - kind of a first. 'You created a non-profit?' one asked. He asked about corporate funders and I said that I was working on that. 'You should host a wine and cheese,' he concluded. 'You never know.' With the Gala coming up on Tuesday, which will certainly have more than wine and cheese, I hope that he is prophetic!”

Dr. Gary Burgess of Bermuda composes 'piano concerto, based on melodies of China'

[Dr. Gary Burgess]

On Dec. 27, 2010 AfriClassical posted: "Dr. Gary Burgess, Prof. Emeritus, Dir. of Bermuda Philharmonic, wrote 'Dawn of a New Day' & 'The Bermuda Symphony.'" We offered to post information on his two symphonies or other compositions. Dr. Burgess contacted us upon his recent return from an extended sojourn in China:

“Dear Bill,

I have been in China working for the New National Arts Center, and the Central Conservatory. I have now returned to Bermuda, after a very long absence. I am still singing, against all odds, I have two more concerts - Mozart's Requiem and Gounod's St Cecelia Mass. I pray that they will be the last.

“As for my two symphonies: The first is titled DAWN OF A NEW DAY. It is scored for full orchestra, SATB chorus, and a SATB quartet. The first performance was with the Bermuda Philharmonic. The second symphony was also performed in Bermuda, celebrating the 500th year of the discovery of Bermuda, also scored for full orchestra, SAYB chorus, and SATB quartet.”

“I have also written:

1 piano concerto, based on melodies of China

3 Song cycles

1 String Quartet

Many Octavo pieces for Chorus, church Choirs

"I am now in the process of doing a new edition of Dido And Aeneas. I have also just finished editing and writing 99 Children's songs, Lyrics and music by Persis Butler, to be published for the music programs in public schools. I hope that this will help you.

Many Thanks,

Sincerely

Gary Burgess"

NYTimes.com on Leo Brouwer Tribute: 'All Guitar, and a Little Comic Relief in Unexpected Places'

[Leo Brouwer]

NYTimes.com

Music Review

By Allan Kozinn

Published: April 24, 2011

“The Cuban composer Leo Brouwer has written prolifically for orchestra and chamber ensembles as well as for film. (His most famous work, to American filmgoers, is the score for 'Like Water for Chocolate.') But he is also an accomplished guitarist, and he has contributed a huge number of inspired works to his instrument’s repertory. By the mid-1970s several of his pieces — 'Elogio de la Danza' (1964), 'Canticum' (1968) and 'La Espiral Eterna' (1971) — were part of the canon, and he has continued to write generously for colleagues.

“Benjamin Verdery, the director of the 92nd Street Y’s Art of the Guitar series, rounded up five soloists and two ensembles for an overview of Mr. Brouwer’s guitar music on Saturday evening. He reserved the most famous piece for himself, offering a fluid, free-spirited account of the swirling, rich-textured 'Espiral Eterna,' in which the score’s hypnotic, rippling arpeggiations were less arresting than the (usually subsidiary) muted, percussive passages.

“Other performances were more straightforward, but no less illuminating. The Canadian Guitar Quartet opened the program with the gentle 'Paisaje Cubano con Lluvia' (1984), an involved tone painting, alternately idyllic and rumbling, that captures the imagery of the title, 'Cuban Countryside With Rain.' Later in the program the quartet gave an insistent, hard-driven performance of 'Cambío el Ritmo de la Noche' (1984).” [The Afro-Cuban composer, guitarist and conductor Leo Brouwer (b. 1939) is profiled at AfriClassical.com]

Empire Opera: “Selections from 'The Mask in the Mirror', by Richard Thompson”; Byron Singleton as Paul Laurence Dunbar

[Photos from the top: Byron Singleton, Richard Thompson and Paul Laurence Dunbar]

In 2009 John Malveaux of MusicUNTOLD.com brought to our attention “The Mask in the Mirror”, an opera by Richard Thompson, a pianist and composer. Empire Opera is about to present excerpts from this work, with Byron Singleton, tenor, singing the role of Paul Laurence Dunbar.

Empire Opera

Sneak Preview

Empire Opera welcomes The Hudson Quartet and Richard Thompson for a showcase of excerpts from new works followed by a lavish reception with food and wine.

Friday, April 29, 8PM

Sunday, May 1, 4PM

349 West End Avenue, New York

All seats $25

“Selections from The Mask in the Mirror, by Richard Thompson. Based on the life of American poet Paul Laurence Dunbar and his marriage to Alice Ruth Moore.”

Richard Thompson Bio

“Originally from Aberdeen, Scotland, pianist Richard Thompson made his debut at the Purcell Room in the Royal Festival Hall in London.” “A former faculty member of the Brooklyn Conservatory, Mr. Thompson is currently Assistant Professor of Music at San Diego State University where he teaches jazz piano, jazz performance and history. He earned his undergraduate degree in music at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland, his Masters Degree from Rutgers University in New Jersey and a jazz diploma at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.”

Byron Singleton Bio

“Byron Singleton is becoming widely known for his 'powerful and compelling interpretations' of the romantic tenor repertoire. Said to be possessed of 'a brilliant, beautiful lyric tenor voice delivered with generous and unabashedly ardent lyricism', Mr. Singleton has performed in opera and concert in the United States and in Europe.”

Albany Times Union: ASO in Spirituals Set by Tania León & Daniel Bernard Roumain, at Carnegie Hall May 10

[Tania Justina León]

Times Union

Albany, NY

ASO previews Carnegie Hall concert in Saratoga Springs and Troy

By Joseph Dalton Special to the Times Union

Published 12:01 a.m., Sunday, April 24, 2011

“The eight spirituals on the program (14 settings were originally commissioned in 2004 and 2005) are by composers of many heritages including Haitian (Daniel Bernard Roumain), Jewish (Stephen Dankner), Chinese (Bun-Ching Lam) and Cuban (Tania León).

“As an example of just how deeply spirituals have permeated our culture, Miller recalls that he grew up singing 'Go Down Moses' at Passover. 'I thought it was a Jewish song until I was 20 or so,' he says.

“Finally, Miller points to a little-known aspect of Martha Graham's choreography to 'Appalachian Spring,' that he describes as 'an eight-minute Civil War pantomime with slaves arriving in the night.' That section was excised from Copland's popular suite. But the ASO will perform the complete ballet in Copland's version for full orchestra.” [The website of the Afro-Cuban composer and conductor Tania León (b. 1943) is http://www.tanialeon.com/; she is also profiled at AfriClassical.com]

Clarinetist Anthony McGill and Bass Baritone Terry Cook in 'Metropolitan Opera Artists' April 16

[ABOVE: Anthony McGill: That Lightness of Spirit; Anthony McGill Music, Copyright-Anthony McGill (884502357493) (2010) BELOW: Terry Cook]

John Malveaux of MusicUNTOLD.com tells AfriClassical:

“Gordon Getty Concerts series presented Metropolitan Opera Artists Saturday, April 16, 2011. The Concert complimented the exhibition Spirit of an Age: Drawings from the Germanic World, 1770-1900. The all-German program included African American clarinetist Anthony McGill and bass baritone Terry Cook with guest pianist.

“Anthony McGill is a master musician who performed for President Obama's inauguration. He was talkative and visually expressive while performing. Terry Cook never spoke but sang with detailed gestures and a magnificent voice. The sold out audience was captured and expressed great appreciation.”

Lambert Bridge Winery: 'An Evening With Kelly Hall-Tompkins' & Craig Ketter in Sonoma County, California 6 P.M. April 29

[Kelly Hall-Tompkins]

Violinist Kelly Hall-Tompkins, Founder and President of Music Kitchen: Food for the Soul, sends AfriClassical word of her recital in Sonoma County, California with Craig Ketter, piano:

Recital at Lambert Bridge Winery

Sonoma County California

April 29

with Craig Ketter, piano

LambertBridge.com

An Evening With Kelly Hall-Tompkins

Friday, April 29th 6:00pm

$75.00 per person, reception & concert

Kelly Hall-Tompkins is one of New York City’s most in-demand violinists, whose dynamic career spans solo, chamber, and orchestral performance. Ms. Hall-Tompkins has been soloist with the Dallas Symphony, Chamber Orchestra of New York, Western Piedmont Symphony, Greenville Symphony, Philharmonic of Uruguay, Monmouth Symphony, the Gateways Festival Orchestra, the Festival of the Atlantic Orchestra, and the Atlanta University Orchestra and her performances in recital have been featured on several occasions on the McGraw-Hill Young Artist Showcase, broadcast in New York by WQXR. Her solo performances also include Washington, DC (National Academy of Sciences), Chicago (Dame Myra Hess Series, broadcast live by WFMT Radio), Baltimore (Peggy and Yale Gordon Trust); and, through a special grant from the IBM Corporation, at the Peace Center in Greenville, South Carolina.

Prior to the concert, savor Lambert Bridge wines & passed hors d’oeuvres. Lambert Bridge, 4085 West Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg, CA 95448 (800) 975-0555

Florence B. Price Heard in 'Music by American Women Composers' 3 PM May 1, Zimmerli Art Museum, New Brunswick

[Florence B. Price]

Florence Beatrice Smith Price (1887-1953) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, where a complete Works List by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma is featured. She was the first African American woman to compose a symphony which was performed by a major orchestra. Florence Price is among the composers whose works will be featured at the American Women Composers Concert at Rutgers in New Brunswick, New Jersey on May 1, 2011:

“NYTimes.com

NEW BRUNSWICK American Women Composers Concert, including music by Amy Beach, Florence Price, Ruth Crawford Seeger, Diane Goolkasian Rahbee, Annie Gosfield, Ellen Taaffe Zwillich and Gabriela Lena Frank. May 1 at 3 p.m. $5 to $15.”

“Jane Voorhees Zimmerli Art Museum

71 Hamilton Street

New Brunswick, NJ

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

CONCERT / Music by American Women Composers

Date: May 01, 2011 Time: 3:00pm

Rosanne Vita Nahass, pianist-in-residence

Amidst the prints of American artist Joan Snyder, the Zimmerli's pianist-in-residence, Rosanne Vita Nahass, concludes the concert series with a program of American music composed entirely by women. This concert includes music by present-day female composers.”

Imani Winds Benefit Concert featuring 'The Rite of Spring' arranged for wind quintet May 3, 2011

Imani Winds Performs The Rite of Spring arranged for wind quintet May 3, 2011

6:15pm Pre-Concert Wine Reception

7:30pm CONCERT

Reception to follow, Silent Auction throughout the evening

Rose Studio

165 West 65th Street, 10th Floor, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Proceeds go directly to the Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival 2011 Scholarship Fund. Tickets $35 purchase here, $40 at the door, make a donation if you can't attend!

Silent Auction, early opportunity for these great gifts!

Auction items include:

Dinner for two in the Cloister's renowned "New Leaf Cafe." One hour massage by Swedish-Institute trained Body Therapist Tymaree Cook. Box CD set of Imani Winds albums with collectors autographs of Wayne Shorter, Paquito D'Rivera and Jason Moran. Hobbs Glassworks unique glass sculpture. CUSTOM COMPOSED piece by Valerie Coleman or Jeff Scott.

Be a sponsor on your level

Support Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival 2011

* PLATINUM: $10,000 or more

* GOLD: $5,001 - $10,000

* STUDENT'S PATRON: $1,551 - $5,000 ($1,550 will cover a students' tuition and housing!)

* LIFELINE DONOR: $100 -$1,550

Any amount is greatly appreciated with donations of $100 and above mentioned in our Festival Program. Platinum level includes a 30 minute performance by Imani Winds at the event of your choice, plus 3 private lessons. Gold level donors receive 3 private lessons plus tickets to an Imani Winds concert anywhere in the world. Student's Patron will have the Scholarship named after them. Lifeline Donor will receive a signed Imani Winds CD plus memorabilia from Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival.

WATCH A VIDEO OF IMANI WINDS CHAMBER MUSIC FESTIVAL 2010 (40 sec.)

“I am interested in getting the printed vocal music of Leslie Adams in particular 'Creole Girl'"

[Love Rejoices: Songs of H. Leslie Adams; Darryl Taylor, countertenor; Robin Guy, piano; Albany Records Troy 428 (2000) (74:55)]

A visitor to AfriClassical.com has made this request for information about a composer who is featured at the website, H. Leslie Adams:

“I am interested in getting the printed vocal music of Leslie Adams in particular 'Creole Girl'"

We have replied:

“The website of Dr. Darryl Taylor, who recorded Creole Girl on Love Rejoices, identifies the source for the sheet music as follows:

Henry Carl Music. 7588 Middle Ridge Road. Madison, Ohio 44057. Phone: 216-231-7385.

The website of the composer also lists Henry Carl Music as the seller of the sheet music.”

Darryl Taylor, Countertenor, has a website at http://www.darryltaylor.com/ Dr. Taylor is also founder of The African American Art Song Alliance http://www.darryltaylor.com/alliance/

The composer's website is: http://www.hleslieadams.com/. [H. Leslie Adams (b. 1932) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, which features a comprehensive Works List by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma of Lawrence University Conservatory]