Ritz Chamber Players: "'Play Your Part' in our Community Engagement”

[Ritz Chamber Players Community Engagement]

The Ritz Chamber Players understand that over and above our role on the concert stage, it is our mission to bring the art of chamber music to listeners of all ages and backgrounds – regardless of their ability to pay. Through our community initiatives we offer daytime concerts to students at under-funded schools that support intellectual inquiry, cultural enhancement, and mentoring opportunities.

Help us reach our Annual Fund goal by making a gift today! Simply click on the DONATE button at http://www.ritzchamberplayers.org/ and utilize our secure, online donation form. We accept all major credit cards.

Or send a check made out to:

Ritz Chamber Music Society, Inc.

Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts

300 Water Street, Suite 200

Jacksonville, FL 32202

Thank you very much for your support.

Terrance Patterson
Executive and Artistic Director
Ritz Chamber Players

Violist Nokuthula Ngwenyama in Four Summer Chamber Music Festivals in 2010

[Nokuthula Ngwenyama]

Nokuthula Ngwenyama is a prominent African American violist and violinist who was born in the U.S. to a Japanese mother and a Zimbabwean father on June 16, 1976. She is profiled at AfriClassical.com, and her personal website is http://www.ngwenyama.com/live/ “Thula,” as she is nicknamed, switched from violin to viola at age 12. She maintains a heavy schedule of performances and has been Visiting Associate Professor (Viola), at the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music since 2008. Her most recent recording, Rubinstein Sonatas, is one we have been playing frequently. It deserves to be widely heard, for both the program and the performance.

Nokuthula Ngwenyama is scheduled to participate in four Chamber Music Festivals in July and August 2010:

Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival, July 18-23, 2010

Sierra Chamber Music Festival, July 24-31, 2010

Bridgehampton Chamber Music Festival, August 11-15, 2010

Salt Bay Chamberfest, August 20, 2010

Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival

SFCMF.org

Jolivet / Heggie / Brahms

Date: Sunday, July 18, 2010

Time: 6:00 PM

Location: St. Francis Auditorium, 107 West Palace Avenue, Santa Fe, NM

Program:

JOLIVET Chant de Linos

JAKE HEGGIE The Deepest Desire: Four Meditations on Love

BRAHMS Piano Quartet No. 3

Artists:

Giuseppina Ciarla, Jennifer Frautschi, Susan Graham, Jake Heggie, Ralph Kirshbaum, Nokuthula Ngwenyama, Tara Helen O’Connor, Jon Kimura Parker, William Preucil

'In Sweden, there is very little spiritual music written in Dr. Dawson's style'

[The Spirituals of William L. Dawson; The St. Olaf Choir; Anton Armstrong, conductor; Marvis Martin, soprano; St. Olaf Records 2159 (1997)]

Today a native of Chicago left a comment in the Guest Book at AfriClassical.com about introducing the spirituals of William Levi Dawson to his church choir in Sweden. He also provided a link to his website about his experiences as an American musician in Sweden:

Sven-Erik Sieurin

Tuesday, 6/29/10, 6:03 AM What a wonderful site, I came in looking for information on Dr. William Levi Dawson and found what I wanted. I want to do some of his works for our church choir here, it will be a challenge! While what I would describe as modern, popular gospel is sung very often here in Sweden, there is very little spiritual music written in Dr. Dawson's style performed here. It will be fun to introduce his music to our choir. From: Chicago Web Site: Sven-Erik Sieurin

[William Levi Dawson (1899-1990) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, which features a complete Works List compiled by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma of Lawrence University Conservatory]

Late Hale Smith, Influential Composer of Classical Music & Jazz, Was Born June 29, 1925

[Hale Smith (1925-2009)]

In 2010, for the first time, the birthday of the African American composer and Professor Hale Smith is being observed posthumously. The New York Times put it well seven months ago when it titled his obituary of November 27, 2009: “Hale Smith, Who Broke Borders of Classical and Jazz, Is Dead at 84.”

The American Composers Alliance posted:

“Hale Smith (1925-2009), a classical composer who also worked as a performer and arranger with jazz greats like Dizzy Gillespie and Chico Hamilton, died Tuesday at his home in Freeport, L.I. The noted composer and longtime friend of Smith, T.J. Anderson, reflects on the life of Hale Smith in New Music Box. Hale Smith was a member of the American Composers Alliance from 1958 to 1995. He served on its Board of Governors from 1966 to 1972.” T.J. Anderson began his memorial of November 30, 2009 with these words: “On November 24, 2009, America lost Hale Smith, one of its most important composers. His works musically intertwined the dialectic between African American identity and European traditions.”

On Jan. 6, 2010 AfriClassical interviewed Regina Harris Baiocchi about two separate but closely related topics, her career as a composer and her friendship with the late Hale Smith. The interview, "Composer Regina Baiocchi and the Late Hale Smith" was published in a series of five installments from January 11-29, 2010. Part 1 was posted January 11, 2010.

The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture presented “An Evening of Music by Hale Smith” on May 17, 2010. Laura Rivera wrote in Newsday.com that day: “Smith's wife, Juanita, 82, selected music for the program and invited Smith's former students and colleagues to perform. Violinist Sanford Allen, 71, a friend and collaborator of Smith's since the 1950s and the first African-American member of the New York Philharmonic, said that while Smith was outspoken about his theories on music and life, 'he was a man who was open to other points of view.' Smith even acknowledged preferring Allen's approach to one of Smith's own compositions, 'Epicedial Variations.'”

The AfriClassical.com page on the late Hale Smith was made possible by research generously provided by Dr. Dominique-René de Lerma, Professor of Music at Lawrence University Conservatory in Appleton, Wisconsin. He also compiled the complete Works List featured at AfriClassical.com.

Hale Smith
Born June 29, 1925
African American
Composer, Pianist & Professor
Classical Music & Jazz
Regina Harris Baiocchi

Haitian Musician & Composer Giscard Nazon Forwards YouTube Link To CD 'Belle Ayiti'

[Belle Ayiti - Mizik Savant Ayisyen (Beautiful Haiti – Haitian Classical Music); Tangente au Yanvalou; Sonate Vodou Jazz; Haitian Folk Songs; Zanmi Ansanm Mizik Ayisyen (Friends Together For Haitian Music) (75:29) (2007)]

The CD Belle Ayiti has been featured by AfriClassical and is discussed on the AfriClassical.com page of Haitian composer Julio Racine, whose works appear on the recording. Giscard Nazon is a musician and composer who was born in Haiti in 1980 and now lives in Florida. We have been in touch with him about Haitian Classical Music for several years. Today AfriClassical received this message from Giscard:

"I hope all is well on your end.

For your article at
http://africlassical.blogspot.com/2009/10/zama-cd-beautiful-haiti-haitian.html

I wanted to let you know that there is a related YouTube video with samples from the album featured that you could link to. It's at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYTADYwPsEU

Kind regards, Giscard"

YouTube.com

http://www.youtube.com/user/giscardnazon

"ZAMA – Belle Ayiti

Mizik Savant Ayisyen - Haitian Classical Music.

CD produced by Zanmi Ansanm Mizik Ayisyen (Z.A.M.A.) - Friends Together for Haitian Music.

Features compositions by Werner Jaegerhuber, Julio Racine, Martha Jean-Claude and Frantz Casséus. Cover art by Ernst Toussaint. Store link: http://bit.ly/ZAMA__Belle_Ayiti

'All proceeds from the sale of this recording and future recordings are used for ongoing scholarships that Z.A.M.A. is establishing at institutions of music and culture throughout Haiti.'"

Giscard Nazon
YouTube Link
Belle Ayiti
Z.A.M.A. CD
Haitian Classical
Julio Racine

William Grant Still's 'Africa' by American Symphony Orchestra on MP3 July 14, 2010

[William Grant Still: Africa; American Symphony Orchestra; Leon Botstein, conductor; (27:11) MP3 Available July 14, 2010]

Amazon.com has announced that an MP3 version of William Grant Still's Africa (27:11) will be available for download July 14, 2010. It is a live recording of a concert called Revisiting William Grant Still, performed at New York City's Lincoln Center by the American Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Leon Botstein, conductor, on March 22, 2009.

Gail Wein reviewed the concert for ClassicalSource.com:

“Written during Still’s self-proclaimed 'Negroid' period (1926-1934), Africa begins with a timpani solo that immediately brings to mind stereotypical sounds of that continent. A tone poem in three movements, ‘Land of Peace’, ‘Land of Romance’ and ‘Land of Superstition’, Still referred to the piece as 'the Africa of my imagination.' His expert use of tone colors was likely gleaned from his studies with Chadwick, a master of orchestration.”

“It’s apt that the American Symphony Orchestra, whose mission is to present rare and unknown works, would champion the music of this great American composer, William Grant Still. It was gratifying to hear his music in such excellent performances.” [William Grant Still (1895-1978) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, where a complete Works List by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma of Lawrence University Conservatory is found.]

Still: Africa
MP3 Download
July 14
American Symphony Orchestra
Leon Botstein
Gail Wein

Composer George Walker, 88 on June 27, Has Autobiography, Violin Concerto & 2 Chamber Music CDs

[ABOVE: George Walker: Chamber Music and Songs, Son Sonora String Quartet; Angelo Frascarelli, conductor; Naxos 8.559659 (2010) (73:43) BELOW: Great American Orchestral Music, Vol. 2; Gregory Walker, violin; Andrzej Krzyzanowski, solo flute; Sinfonia Varsovia; Ian Hobson, conductor; Troy 1178 (2010) (57:49)]

The African American composer and pianist George Walker was born in Washington, D.C. June 27, 1922. He is profiled at AfriClassical.com, and his personal website is http://georgetwalker.com/

In 1996 George Walker became the first African American composer to win the Pulitzer Prize in Music. The winning work was Lilacs, for voice and orchestra. The year leading up to George Walker's 88th birthday has been filled with notable events. One of the most significant was the premiere of his Violin Concerto on December 10, 2009. The violinist was his son Gregory Walker, Professor of Music at the University of Colorado Denver. He was accompanied by the Philadelphia Orchestra, conducted by Neemi Järvi.

The year 2010 has witnessed the release of a CD recorded in Warsaw on October 30, 2009, Great American Orchestral Music, Vol. 2, with Gregory Walker on violin and Andrzej Krzyzanowski on solo flute. Ian Hobson conducted the Sinfonia Varsovia. The CD is an Albany Records release, Troy 1178.

On December 1, 2009 AfriClassical posted: “'George Walker: Chamber Music' on Naxos, streaming and download; Notes by composer.” Naxos provides the notes of the composer at a link titled About the Recording. The recording is presently available by streaming and download only. However, Naxos has announced the release of a CD version in July 2010.

An autobiography of George Walker has also appeared in the past year. It is a 230-page hardcover released by Scarecrow Press in 2009: George Walker: Reminiscences of an American Composer and Pianist.

African American Composer
George Walker is 88 June 27
Chamber Music and Songs
Great American Orchestral Music
Violin Concerto
Scarecrow Press

James DePreist & Imre Palló Lead Sydney Conservatorium & Juilliard Orchestra Oct. 18, 2010

[James De Preist conducts Oregon Symphony]

Juilliard.edu

June 21, 2010

“The Juilliard Orchestra announces its 2010-2011 season featuring esteemed guest conductors John Adams, David Effron, Alan Gilbert, Jeffrey Kahane, Nicholas McGegan, Yannick Nézet-Séguin, Imre Palló, Keri-Lynn Wilson, and Xian Zhang, and Juilliard conductors James DePreist (director of conducting and orchestral studies) and Jeffrey Milarsky (music director of AXIOM). Maestros Kahane, Nézet-Séguin and Palló will be leading the Juilliard Orchestra for the first time. Also this season, Juilliard collaborates with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music from Australia in a special joint program on October 18, led by conductors James DePreist and Imre Palló.”

“On Monday, October 18 at 8 PM in Alice Tully Hall, Juilliard collaborates for the first time with the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Orchestra (SCMO) from Australia during their debut visit to the U.S. James DePreist and Imre Palló will lead a work of their choosing with the orchestra of the other conservatory, as well as a joint orchestra made up of students from each conservatory. The program features Schuman's American Festival Overture (performed jointly with Palló conducting); Dello Joio's Meditations on Ecclesiastes (SCMO with DePreist conducting); Richard Mills' Sequenzas (Juilliard with Palló conducting); and Britten's Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra (performed jointly with DePreist conducting).”

On March 1, 2010 AfriClassical.com announced a complete revision of its page on James DePreist (b. 1936), the world-famous African American conductor.

James DePreist
Imre Palló
Juilliard Orchestra
Sydney Conservatorium of Music Orchestra
Australian Orchestra
Joint Program

Dominique-René de Lerma: Wendell Logan '...was a far more significant composer than most of us realize.'

[Wendell Logan (Photo in The New York Times, Courtesy of Oberlin College]

We received word of the passing of Wendell Logan from Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma, Professor of Music at Lawrence University Conservatory in Appleton, Wisconsin as well as principal advisor to AfriClassical.com and its companion blog AfriClassical:

“You will very soon be receiving news, probably from many sources, that Oberlin professor Wendell Logan has died. I had the challenge of finishing a semester with a weekend’s notice of Wendell’s Black music class a few years ago when he had emergency surgery. That gave me the opportunity to see not only the deep respect his highly motivated students had for him, but a very real and deep devotion for him as a man. I am to prepare a revision of my article on him for the second edition of The new Grove dictionary of American music but I have to hold off on this for a bit and let the news sink in. Yes, he headed the jazz program at Oberlin, but he was a far more significant composer than most of us realize.”

Dominique

Wendell Logan
Black Music Class
Finished Semester
Emergency Surgery
Headed Jazz Program
Far More Significant Composer Than Most Of Us Realize

Comment by email:

Dominique De Lerma's summation of Wendell Logan is hauntingly true: Wendell was grossly underrated as a man and as a musician. His Spirit has enriched us far beyond measure... Regina Harris Baiocchi

New York Times: 'Wendell Logan, Composer of Jazz and Concert Music, Dies at 69'

[Wendell Logan (Photo in The New York Times, Courtesy of Oberlin College]

NYTimes.com

By Margalit Fox

Published: June 22, 2010

“Wendell Logan, a composer of jazz and concert music who more than two decades ago founded the jazz department at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music, long a bastion of high-level classical training, died on June 15 in Cleveland. He was 69 and lived in Oberlin, Ohio. Professor Logan died after a short illness, Marci Janas, a conservatory spokeswoman, said. At his death he was chairman of the jazz studies department and professor of African-American music at the conservatory, which is part of Oberlin College.

“Though Oberlin had been turning out world-caliber classical soloists, conductors and orchestral performers for generations, jazz there had long been an extracurricular subject at best. Professor Logan, who played soprano saxophone and trumpet, joined the faculty in 1973 and began offering jazz classes soon afterward. But it was not until 1989 that he was able to make jazz studies a full-fledged major, in which students can earn a bachelor of music.

“Besides composing many jazz works, Professor Logan wrote concert music, a discipline that black composers have historically been discouraged from pursuing. His compositional style integrated elements of Modernism, European classicism and African-American musical traditions like jazz, blues and gospel into a seamless whole. Among his best-known concert works are 'Doxology Opera: The Doxy Canticles' (2001), a gritty sung drama of race and morality with a libretto by Paul Carter Harrison, and 'Runagate, Runagate' (1989), a setting of Robert E. Hayden's poem about a fugitive slave.

“Wendell Morris Logan was born on Nov. 24, 1940, in Thomson, Ga. His first musical studies were with his father, an amateur alto saxophonist. He attended Florida A&M University, a historically black institution, on a football scholarship, graduating in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in music. He earned a master’s in music from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, in 1964 and a Ph.D. in music theory and composition from the University of Iowa in 1968.”

1940-2010
Oberlin Conservatory
Professor of African-American Music
Chairman of Jazz Studies
Composed Jazz & Concert Music

Mickey Thomas Terry Reviews Godwin Sadoh's Books on Organ Music of Fela Sowande & Ayo Bankole

[Fela Sowande]

Mickey Thomas Terry, Ph.D., is Editor, The African-American Organ Music Anthology:

TheFreeLibrary.com

“This is a review of two books on two modern Nigerian composers written by Godwin Sadoh. The books are, The Organ Works of Fela Sowande and Cultural Perspectives and Intercultural Dimensions in Ayo Bankole's Music.

“The Organ Works of Fela Sowande: Cultural Perspectives [New York: iUniverse Publishing, 2007]

The advent of new scholarly publications is always a joy to discover; however, this first of Godwin Sadoh's two books featuring Nigerian/African organ composers is exceptionally fine. The organist and composer Fela Sowande (1905-1987) is the subject of this study.

“Sowande's life was marked by the type of distinction that manifests itself only when accompanied by extraordinary achievement. He was the first African to be appointed as a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists and was the first African to receive the British FRCO diploma (the highest award for organ-playing). In addition to this honor, Sowande was the recipient of the Harding Prize for organ-playing, the Limpus Prize for Theory, and the Read Prize for the highest aggregate marks in the fellowship examinations. Sowande received many honors during his lifetime. One of the most notable was conferred in 1956, when Queen Elizabeth II made Sowande a Member of the British Empire for distinguished service in the cause of music.

“Sadoh's book focuses primarily on Sowande''s work as an organ composer and the pervasive elements of culture (African, African-American, and European) contained in his works. The author begins by providing an historical background for the milieu in which Nigerian musicians, such as Sowande, developed. In order to do this, he discusses the political, social, and economic factors that were responsible for introducing western classical music to Nigeria. The significant role of the mission schools and colonial institutions in the musical development of Nigerian musicians is clearly highlighted, for these two sources played a major role in the formal education of Nigerians. It was the culmination of these forces that produced Sowande and other Nigerian musicians of the era. In Sowande, a world view was forged that would accompany him during his lifelong musical pursuits.”

“In speaking of Bankole, one can hardly refrain from citing similarities between the composer and his teacher, Fela Sowande; however, unlike Sowande, Ayo Bankole lived a rather short existence. His life came to a sudden and tragic end in 1976. Although he did not produce many works, Bankole was a man of considerable talent and promise. Had he survived, there is no telling what creations he may have given the world.

“Bankole's musical training was of African, English, and American origin. He was primarily an organist and pianist; consequently, it should come as no surprise that much of his compositional output centered on these instruments. His extraordinary skill as an organist is exemplified by his youthful selection as Assistant Organist of the Cathedral Church of Christ in Lagos, Nigeria. This tenure was soon followed by his appointment as Organ Scholar of Clare College at the University of Cambridge in London (1961-1964).” [Fela Sowande is profiled at AfriClassical.com]

Trumpeter Wilmer Wise: 'I start chemotherapy on Monday...I will survive!'

[African American Trumpeter Wilmer Wise; Photo from website of The Jazz Museum in Harlem]

The African American trumpeter Wilmer Wise sends us an email with a video link:

“I start chemotherapy on Monday. My treatment is less expensive that the one spoken about on the video, and I am assured that it is quite effective. I am in great shape for a guy my age.............I will survive! I am getting my stuff together for the 2011 ITG [International Trumpet Guild] event. Nothing will stop me from being there :-)”

Wilmer

“Subject: The video ............. I will survive! This was shown all over the country- Video: Cancer Costs Video”

Wilmer

South African Composer & Choral Director J. S. Mzilikazi Khumalo Born June 20, 1932

[J. S. Mzilikazi Khumalo (b. 1932)]

The South African Composer, Arranger & Choral Director J. S. Mzilikazi Khumalo is also a Professor Emeritus of African Languages. He was born June 20, 1932 and is profiled at AfriClassical.com. In November 2009 AfriClassical linked to an interview with him. At the request of the South African Society of Music, we added this note:

“This interview was published in the academic journal SAMUS: South African Music Studies, Volume 28 (2008), pages 155-168. Copyright over this material is held by the South African Society for Research in Music, and it may not be reproduced without permission. The Society has granted SAMRO permission to put it on their website as a static document, with the proviso that the interview's origins in the journal SAMUS are acknowledged.

Sincerely, Zelda Potgieter, Chairperson: SASRIM"

Here is an excerpt from the interview:

“AN INTERVIEW WITH MZILIKAZI KHUMALO

Ndwamato George Mugovhani

Mzilikazi James Khumalo, Emeritus Professor in African Languages at the University of the Witwatersrand, folksong arranger, choral composer, and choir director, was born on the Salvation Army farm KwaNgwelu, in the Vryheid District of Natal, in 1932. He was the third son of Senior Major A.M. Khumalo, a priest in the Salvation Army and Mrs Ntombizodwa Johanna Khumalo. Throughout his scholastic career he sang in school choirs and thereby learned to read tonic solfa notation. He also learned staff notation through playing the euphonium in the Salvation Army band. Professor Khumalo qualified as a teacher in 1954, and thereafter studied music part-time under the organist Charles Norburn. Besides literary publications, he is a prolific composer whose works include a cantata, and an opera in the African idiom. He retired from Wits in 1998 and is Deputy Chair of the Board of Directors at SAMRO. This interview took place at SAMRO House, Johannesburg.”

Janise White's Rendition of 'The Glory Hallelujah Piano Concerto' of Howlett Smith is Well Received

[Howlett Smith, composer]

On June 10, 2010 AfriClassical posted: “Afro-American Chamber Music Society Orchestra in 'The Glory Hallelujah Piano Concerto' of Howlett Smith, 2 PM June 11.” The post quoted Janise White's description of the work:

“On Friday, June 11, 2010 at 2 pm the Afro-American Chamber Music Society Orchestra will premiere 'The Glory Hallelujah Piano Concerto' containing 16 variations in every musical genre from classical to avant garde jazz, including a Gospel section. The thirty-two minute work is based on the popular Civil War hymn 'Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory of the Coming of the Lord,' however it is named for its 'Glory Hallelujah Chorus' which was sung in both Confederate and Union Armies to lift their spirits. This is a wonderful work exhibiting influences of Gershwin, Beethoven, Chopin, McCoy Tyner and Grieg. I am honored to premiere this work for Smitty. This will be a WORLD PREMIERE and probably Smitty's first piano concerto and the first piano concerto of this magnitude.”

AfriClassical has received this critique of the concert from Sam Dress of Friday Entertainment:

“Glory Halleluia Variations, performed by pianist Janise White and conducted by Brian Onderdonk was very warmly received when played at the United Methodist Church on Wilshire Blvd. The large audience gave great approval and support to Howlett Smith who, for years, has been known as a jazz pianist, lyricist, composer of pop tunes, vocal coach and arranger.”

Sphinx Musicians Return to Carnegie Hall Stage October 2010 Under Maestro Damon Gupton

[Sphinx Chamber Orchestra and Conductor Damon Gupton. Photo: Nan Melville]

SPHINX MUSICIANS RETURN TO CARNEGIE HALL STAGE

SphinxMusic.org

Delroy Lindo and Supporters Launch Campaign for Sphinx Organization

"Seeing classical musicians of color onstage resonates with audience members from all walks of life, but especially with young people, who realize that there is a way to achieve their dreams," states Delroy Lindo. “Our goal is to increase the support for these young musicians, who are truly changing the face of classical music.”

“The concert directly promotes Sphinx’s mission to build diversity in classical music on stage, in the audience, and through the performance of works by composers of color. The October 2010 performance marks the sixth appearance of the Sphinx Chamber Orchestra at Carnegie Hall. The ensemble is comprised of top alumni and Laureates of the annual Sphinx Competition for young Black and Latino string players. The Orchestra will perform under the direction of prominent Conductor and Actor, Damon Gupton. [The Founder/President of The Sphinx Organization is violinist Aaron P. Dworkin (b. 1970), who is profiled at AfriClassical.com.]

Sphinx Organization

Carnegie Hall 2010

Sphinx Chamber Orchestra

Damon

Gupton

Delroy Lindo

Aaron Dworkin

Alabama S. O. Wins ASCAP award for programming; M. L. King Work of Adolphus Hailstork Debuts in 2010-2011 Season

[Prof. Adolphus Hailstork]

Alabama Symphony receives top ASCAP award for adventurous programming

Published: Friday, June 18, 2010

Michael Huebner – The Birmingham News

“ASO and Music Director Justin Brown will be recognized today in Atlanta at the League of American Orchestras' 65th Annual Conference. The Birmingham-based orchestra joins the New York Philharmonic (Group 1) and Albany Symphony (Groups 3-4), among others, in receiving the first-place awards. Second and third place awards in the Group 2 division went to the Pacific Symphony and Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.”

“During 2009-10, ASO commissioned new music from its first composer-in-residence, Paul Lansky, showcased the music of George Crumb and strengthened its cutting-edge Symphony 7 series. Plans for 2010-11 include premieres of commissioned works by Adolphus Hailstork and its next composer-in-residence, Avner Dorman.”

The Scene Blog of The Birmingham News announced the commission in December 2008:

“Adolphus Hailstork to compose new work for Alabama Symphony to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Posted by Michael Huebner December 17, 2008 6:00 AM

New symphonic music by a prominent composer will honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a joint project by three Birmingham cultural organizations.

“Adolphus Hailstork plans to visit Birmingham in January to discuss the musical and narrative possibilities for the music he will compose that will honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Adolphus Hailstork, whose music has been performed by the Chicago and Baltimore Symphonies and New York Philharmonic, will compose music for the Alabama Symphony Orchestra's 'Reflect and Rejoice' concert, a musical tribute to King sponsored each January by ASO, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the Alys Stephens Center. The premiere will take place at the 2011 event. The three organizations are co-sponsoring the commission, which they hope will become an annual project.

"'We're hoping to get sponsors and donors excited about the concept so we have an annual source of funding to create a new work,' said Curt Long, ASO's executive director. 'There's a story to tell about what happened in Birmingham during the civil rights era, and symphonic music can do a very good job of telling it.'" [Adolphus Hailstork (b. 1941) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, where the composer describes his career in his own words.]

Sponsors Needed for Imani Winds Chamber Music Institute July 31 – Aug. 7, 2010

[Imani Winds Chamber Music Institute]

Enrollment is closed for the 2010 Imani Winds Chamber Music Institute, but sponsors are still needed:

“Support the education of the next generation of classical music. Sponsor a student and fulfill a dream.

“Make a donation to the Scholarship Fund for students in need attending the Imani Winds Chamber Music Institute. YOUR PATRONAGE IS NEEDED!!

“Come and see the students perform Saturday, August 7th, 8pm at the Rose Studio, Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. Free and open to the public.”

Comment by email:

Thank you Bill! Your support is so important, we appreciate it always. Mariam Adam, Clarinetist, Imani Winds, Transatlantic Ensemble

Works of George Walker & Thomas Kerr in Mickey Thomas Terry Organ Recital in NYC 8 PM, July 27

[Dr. Mickey Thomas Terry]

Mickey Thomas Terry, Ph.D., sends us this announcement:

“I receive AfriClassical releases daily and read them with great interest. Frequently, I see announcements for recitals and concerts by artists and performing groups. I am a concert organist, who is also the leading published authority on African-American classical organ composers. I am the Editor of the critically-acclaimed 'The African-American Organ Music Anthology' (MorningStar Music Publishers, Fenton, MO). The purpose of my correspondence today is to request the posting of an upcoming organ recital that I am giving. The recital is part of the Tuesday-Evening series at the Riverside Church in New York. The recital will take place on Tuesday, July 27th at 8pm. Performed will be works by Bach, Tournemire, Dupre, Sowerby, Horatio Parker, as well as African-American composers George Walker and Thomas Kerr.

"For your information, I am attaching a list of notices from previous recital performances as well as a biographical sketch. Would it be possible to list the Riverside recital? Thank you for your time and consideration.

"Regards,

Mickey Thomas Terry, Ph.D."

“MICKEY THOMAS TERRY holds degrees from East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina, and a Ph.D. from Georgetown University in Washington, DC. Dr. Terry’s principal organ teachers have been Clarence Watters, Charles Callahan, and Ronald Stolk (Improvisation). He was the Second Prize winner of the 9th Annual Clarence Mader National Organ Competition (Los Angeles/Pasadena), and a finalist in both the Michigan International Organ Competition (University of Michigan Music School-Ann Arbor), and the Flint Competition (Flint, Michigan).

Dr. Terry is a critically-acclaimed concert organist who has concertized throughout the United States and the Caribbean, and has been broadcast several times on Public Radio International’s Pipedreams.” “Dr. Terry appears on the Albany Records label compact disc George Walker-A Portrait, playing the organ works of Pulitzer Prize-winning composer George Walker and on the Minnesota Public Radio compact disc Pipedreams Premieres, Volume 2, playing an organ work of African-American composer Thomas H. Kerr. Terry is currently the Director of Music and Organist of St. Mary’s Church at Piscataway (Clinton, Maryland).”

Mickey Thomas Terry
African American Organist
Tuesday-Evening Series
Riverside Church
July 27
New York