1976 Premiere Performance of Ulysses Kay's 'Western Paradise' on 'Disco Archiva' CD

[Ulysses Kay: Works for Chamber Orchestra; Metropolitan Philharmonic Orchestra; Kevin Scott, Conductor; Troy 961 (2007)]

Kevin Scott is conductor of the SUNY Orange Symphonic Band. He conducted the Metropolitan Philharmonic Orchestra in the recording of chamber music works of his mentor Ulysses Kay (1917-1995), Ulysses Kay: Works for Chamber Orchestra; Troy 961 (2007). Ulysses Kay is profiled at AfriClassical.com, which features a Works List compiled by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma. The entry on The Western Paradise reads:

“The western paradise, W129, for male narrator & orchestra (1975). New York: Carl Fischer, 1977. 84p. Contains 5 movements. Text: Donald Door. Commission: National Symphony Orchestra for the Bicentennial. Première: 1976/X/12; Washington; William Conrad, narrator; National Symphony Orchestra; Antal Dorati, conductor. Duration: 16:00.”

Kevin Scott sends us this news:

“Dear Bill: I am informing you that there is a recording, albeit 'pirated' of Ulysses Kay's The Western Paradise, which is available through 'Disco Archiva' a label specializing in live archive performances. What is amazing about this is that there are TWO performances! The first is from the world premiere performance of 9 October 1976 in Washington, D.C., whereas the second performance is the New York premiere at Carnegie Hall. Both performances are by the National Symphony Orchestra under Antal Dorati, with William Conrad narrating. Also on the disc are Miklos Rozsa's Tripartita and Gunther Schuller's Second Concerto for Orchestra. On one of the discs is an included interview with all three composers! This is definitely worth listing! The website is http://www.musicinthemail.com/classicalconducting/index.html

“And to keep you up to date, I am about to commence seeking financial backing for the second disc, which I am hoping will include Western Paradise. Yours, Kevin”