Pianist Richard C. Alston's 'Classically Black' at Kentucky State University Saturday, March 5, at 7:30 p.m.

[Richard C. Alston]

Patricia Terry Vansant, Executive Director of the Frankfort Arts Foundation, sends this release about "Classically Black" by pianist Richard C. Alston, which features composers who are featured at AfriClassical.com:

February 26, 2011

Richard Alston

“Music is an international language. The nature of music transcends the boundaries of the physical world and touches something deeper,” said virtuoso pianist Richard Alston.

Frankfort will have the opportunity to experience the beautiful music and masterful technique of this musician this week. Alston will perform in concert in Kentucky State University’s Bradford Hall on Saturday, March 5, at 7:30 p.m. Kentucky State University and the Frankfort Arts Foundation present this performance. He will teach a community master class at 1 p.m. Thursday in Bradford Hall for interested persons, community students and KSU students. Alston will perform, take questions and answers and discuss the book, “Creativity For Life: Practical Advice on the Artist’s Personality,” and “Career from America’s Foremost Creativity Coach” by Eric Maisel, Ph.D.

This event is a community partnership between the KSU Division of Fine Arts and the Frankfort Arts Foundation. Call 330-2773, 875-4ART or e-mail faf@dcr.net for further information regarding the concert or community master class. A distinguished pianist and educator, Alston will present “Classically Black: Composers of African Descent.” “The concert,” according to Alston, “is a labor of love and a tribute to the contributions people of color have made to the classical music genre throughout history.” He will perform and offer commentary on selections of music and composers spanning [1745] to present.

Alston was a musical advisor and consultant to a PBS documentary, “Classically Black,” that will feature piano compositions he will perform here. His program will include the following selections and composers: “Troubled Water” by Margaret Bonds, “Adagio in F Minor” by Chevalier De Saint Georges, “Basso Tuba Waltz, op. 5” by Blind Tom (Thomas Greene Bethune), “Maple Leaf Rag” by Scott Joplin, “Summerland” by William Grant Still, “The Bamboula” by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, “In The Bottoms” (Suite) by R. Nathaniel Dett, “Sonata No. 1” by George Walker, and “Fantasie Nègre” by Florence B. Price.

“Composers of African descent go all the way back to Mozart. Throughout history, they had to endure setbacks and roadblocks. The essence of music was buried so deep in their souls that, despite prejudice, they did not stop creating music. When one has something burning inside oneself and a passion so strong, you continue regardless,” said Alston.

After earning his bachelor’s degree from the prestigious Julliard School in New York City, Alston was awarded the Maria Guerra Judelson Scholarship in piano to return to Julliard. He later received his master’s degree from there. He then embarked on a career in both classical piano performance and performing arts education. His performance credits range from live opera and recitals to radio and television broadcasts.

Alston is presently an assistant professor of music and Essex County College in New Jersey. He is also a member of the faculty at Rutgers-Newark, a member of the Board of Music Advisors for Westminster Choir College’s Educational Opportunity Program, and a former member of the Music Advancement Program faculty of The Julliard School. He is also the founder of the Crossroads Music Academy in East Orange.

Comment by email:
Yesterday at dinner, Dr.Buck, chairperson of KSU Performing Arts and Ms. Vansant, director of Frankfort Arts, were thrilled when I informed them of "Africlassical" and the work you are doing. The music faculty and students will subscribe. Richard Alston