Violinist Quinton I. Morris Recipient of a 2011 Seattle Mayor’s Arts Award

[Quinton I. Morris]

Jeffrey James Arts Consulting tells AfriClassical that Prof. Quinton I. Morris is one of six persons awarded by the Mayor of Seattle; 300 people were nominated:

“Violinist Quinton I. Morris is a recipient of a 2011 Seattle Mayor’s Arts Award. The announcement was made by the Seattle Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs. Mayor Mike McGinn announced the recipients. The Seattle Arts Commission recommended the recipients from a pool of more than 300 public nominations. The Mayor’s Arts Awards recognize the contributions made by artists, arts and cultural organizations and community members who make a difference through arts and cultural activities.

“The official press release said this:

Dr. Quinton Morris enjoys a multifaceted career as a concert violinist, chamber musician, teacher, director and founder of The Young Eight String Octet, the nation’s only string octet comprised of distinguished African American string players from the nation’s most prestigious music schools. Morris earned a Master of Music degree from The Boston Conservatory and a Doctor of Musical Arts at The University of Texas at Austin.

“Morris is the Director of Chamber and Instrumental Music and Assistant Professor of Music at Seattle University, where last week he won the Outstanding Scholarship and Creative Work Award from the College of Arts and Sciences. According to one nominator, 'Morris' long list of achievements and awards is impressive, but even more impressive is his determination to make a difference for aspiring young musicians – particularly for youngsters of color who do not always have role models close at hand in the classical community.'

Morris has performed solo and chamber music performances across the country and around the globe, and recently marked his New York City recital debut with soprano Indra Thomas and pianist Maimy Fong to a sold out audience at Carnegie Hall. More about Dr. Morris at http://www.seattleu.edu/artsci/finearts/default.aspx?id=3216.” “The recipients will be honored at the Mayor’s Arts Awards ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 1 at Seattle Center.”