D.S.O. Blog: 'Hale Smith is regarded as one of America’s finest composers.'

[Hale Smith]

The late African American composer Hale Smith (1925-2009) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, which features a comprehensive Works List by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma, http://www.CasaMusicaledeLerma.com

Detroit Symphony Orchestra Blog

“DETROIT, (Feb. 27, 2012) – The Detroit Symphony Orchestra (DSO) is proud to announce its annual Classical Roots Celebration will be dedicated to the late Dr. Arthur L. Johnson, who was the founder of the event and was recently made a lifetime board member of the DSO. This much-anticipated black tie celebration raises awareness about the contributions of African-Americans to classical music and supports increased opportunities through special programs, such as the DSO’s African-American Orchestral Fellowship Program, a mentoring opportunity for young professional musicians. The Classical Roots Concerts on Fri., Mar. 16 at 10:45 a.m. and Sat., Mar. 17 at 8 p.m. will also honor the late African-American composer Hale Smith.”

“About Hale Smith

Hale Smith is regarded as one of America’s finest composers. He also had a distinguished career as an arranger, editor, and educator. Born in Cleveland, Ohio on June 29, 1925, he began study of the piano at age seven, and his initial performance experience included both classical and jazz music. After military service (1943-45), he entered the Cleveland Institute of Music as a composition major, receiving a bachelor’s degree in 1950 and a master’s degree in 1952. His principal teachers were Ward Lewis in theory and Marcel Dick, his only teacher of composition.”