Saturday, February 25, 2012

Detroit News: DSO Bassist Rick Robinson “will perform his own duo 'Grief' with cellist Cecelia Sharpe” at Legacy Concert


[This year’s concert will feature appearances by baritone Emory Stephens and DSO bassist Rick Robinson. (Brazeal Dennard Chorale)]

By Lawrence B. Johnson 
Special to The Detroit News
“Two traditions of African-American music will be renewed when the Brazeal Dennard Chorale presents its second annual Black History Month Legacy Concert on today at Bethel AME Church.The event celebrates both the legacy of African-American music and four decades of community performances by the 24-voice choir, founded by the late Brazeal Dennard and now directed by Dr. Augustus Hill.”

"We're keeping up the tradition of what Brazeal had in mind when he started the choir — the spirituals and the significant works of African-American classical composers," says Hill, who once served as Dennard's assistant and whose involvement with the chorus as a singing member goes back almost to its beginning.”

“This year's concert will range from the spirituals 'This Little Light of Mine' and 'My Lord What a Mornin'' to Adolphus Hailstork's 'I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes' with chamber orchestra and solo soprano Alice McAllister Tillman. Also featured will be appearances by baritone Emory Stephens and Detroit Symphony Orchestra bassist Rick Robinson.

"'The legacy of blacks in pop music — and how we've been able to revolutionize that culture around the world — is well known,' says Robinson, who will perform his own duo 'Grief' with cellist Cecelia Sharpe. 'In classical music, we have an important role to play, as well. As a musician, I want to see African-Americans inspired by the example of their achievements.'"

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