[H. Leslie Adams]
ExploreHoward.com
Laurel Leader
Posted 5/27/10
“Classical Music of African American Composers -- Father-son pianists Mack Statham and Robert Statham perform Friday, June 4 at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 424 Main St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for light refreshments. The concert will include one of Mack Statham's own compositions and works by Margaret Bonds, Calvin Taylor, Florence B. Price and H. Leslie Adams. This is First United Methodist's annual Missions and Masterworks concert and donations will be accepted to benefit Side by Side, an organization working to strengthen local public schools. 301-725-3093.
MACK C. STATHAM
“Dr. Mack Statham holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Education from Hampton University, has taken graduate studies at the Peabody Conservatory, the University of Santa Clara, and Indiana University, and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Music degree from Virginia Seminary and College. Dr. Statham has taught music in public schools in North Carolina, Delaware, and Baltimore; he has performed throughout the U.S. as a pianist and organist; and he is a career church musician...” “In addition, he is an accomplished composer with several major works for chorus, piano, and instrumental ensemble. In January 1997, Dr. Mack Statham performed the organ postlude at the National Prayer Service for President Clinton's Inaugural Celebration. He teaches private piano lessons at the Laurel School of Music.
AfriClassical was able to interview Mack Statham by phone on May 28, 2010. He told us the work he will premiere on Friday, June 4 is Rhapsody On A Motherless Child. The work is based on the traditional spiritual Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child. Mr. Statham explained that the music was originally composed for solo piano, but for this concert has been arranged for performance on two pianos, played by himself and his son Robert Statham. The performance time is 25-30 minutes, and the classical Theme and Variations structure is employed in the piece.
Mack Statham has been Minister of Music at First United Methodist Church of Laurel, Maryland for 8 years, beginning in 2002. He was Minister of Music at Asbury Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. for 10 years, and held the same position at Metropolitan United Methodist Church in Baltimore for 25 years. One of his best known compositions is Trilogy of Dreams, written for chorus, orchestra, two pianos and an organ. The music is based on three African American spirituals often sung by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Free At Last, Oh Freedom and We Shall Overcome. [H. Leslie Adams (b.1932), Margaret A. Bonds (1913-1972) and Florence B. Price (1887-1953) are profiled at AfriClassical.com, where Works Lists by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma of Lawrence University Conservatory are featured.]
Comment by email:
Bill, Thanks for the update and on continuing to seek more information on this. Leslie
Bill, Thanks for the update and on continuing to seek more information on this. Leslie
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