[Sexy Paradise; Mariea Antoniette, harp; Maasai Records (2002)]
Rashida Black is Founder/Executive Director of The Myrtle Hart Society, dedicated to classical musicians of color. Its July 2009 eNewsletter features this article, presented here in part:
“L.A. Hear: Mariea Antoniette
After rehearsing for a concert one afternoon on Long Island, one of the major donors approached me and said, 'I have a question to ask--and I don't mean to offend you in any way, but I have been sponsoring orchestras across the country for more than 30 years now, and I wonder why I don't see many harpists of color. In my 30 years of sponsoring, you have the second one I've seen. Why is that?' This excerpt from an article entitled 'beyond color: encouraging ethnic balance within the harp community' by harpist Brandee Younger appeared in the May/June edition of Harp Column magazine.
“The article goes on to list the variety of styles and genres performed by harpists of color. One such harpist breaking down stereotypes is Mariea Antoniette. Don't let the name fool you. Mariea Antoinette is a new age classical harpist, producer and spoken word artist, who has performed for several of the worlds' top dignitaries and entertainers around the continental united states, such as President Obama, Colin Powell, Ivana Trump and Tavis Smiley. In addition to performing with several of music greats in the Jazz and R&B community, Ne-Yo, Mary J. Blige, Kanye West and Jamie Foxx.
“Her TV performances include the BET Music Awards and, MTV Music Awards. This versatile artist is a teacher, mentor and ongoing student of the art of music and technique.” “She has produced the CDs: Mariea Antoinette Solo Harp, Warrior Princess and Sexy Paradise, which blends smooth jazz and R&B classics. Introduced to the harp at the age of 16, Mariea has studied and been mentored in her classical and contemporary repertoire by some of the best while training Russian Harpist Eleana Masheocova and Dr. Carol Mc Laughlin, Paul Hurst and Carol Robbins.”
“This month, Mariea performs with the Southeast Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in Los Angeles for the end of the season concert. Charles Dickerson, music director and Conductor, Performing 'Bolero' by Maurice Ravel and Symphonic Renditions of favorite compositions of Edward Kennedy 'Duke Ellington'. Walt Disney Concert Hall at 3:00pm. Tickets start at 35.-75.00. July 19, 2009.”
Mariea Antoniette
African American Harpist
Sexy Paradise
Ravel's Bolero
Symphonic Rendition of Ellington
Southeast Symphony
Wow !I saw her on stage at the Walt Disney Concert hall, Los Angeles and I was blown out of the water, beautiful, intelligent talented and approachable, just stunning..she was created by God himself !!! amazing
ReplyDeleteMariea Antoniette is really amazing! She's like an angel with a harp! I wish I was as good a harp player as she is.
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