John Malveaux of www.MusicUNTOLD.com sends this concert review:
Afro-American
Chamber Music Society Orchestra, Janise White, conductor, presented Le
Chevalier de St. Georges Concert Friday, June 22, 2012, Wilshire United
Methodist Church, Los Angeles. Program opened with Star Spangled Banner,
Janise White arrangement. In celebration of JUNETEENTH, ‘St. Louis
Greys Quick Step’ was performed with a backdrop of coordinated precision
marching by four Camp Pendleton Color Guards. Joseph William
Postlewaite (1827-1889), the composer, was a Negro Corporal in the Union
Army’s 148th Infantry. His march predates Sousa’s marches.
In celebration of Black Music Month, the Orchestra played ‘Sinfonia No.
1’ by Chevalier de St. Georges and ‘Sempre Avanti’ by Stephen James
Taylor whose is a significant film composer. Commendations were
presented to Supervisor Mark Ridley Thomas and Councilman Herb Wesson.
Supervisor Mark Ridley Thomas reciprocated with a Certificate to the
Orchestra and reference to continued support. Chris Woods was featured
soloist in a performance of ‘Violin Concerto in D’ by Chevalier de St.
Georges. Chris interjected some improvisations “consistent with music of
the period” according to Chris. The concert closed with ‘Sinfonia No.
2’ by Chevalier de St. Georges.
Of
special note during the program, Professor White mentioned that the
Orchestra performed during the Washington DC ceremony unveiling Dr.
King’s statue and she conducted workshop(s) at Howard University. She
was surprised to learn that the music of Chevalier de St. Georges was
not known or available at such a prestigious University.
[Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges, Afro-French composer and conductor, is featured at AfriClassical.com]
Comment by email:
Comment by email:
During the music
workshops, I had the honor to introduce the Howard University Faculty
to contemporary composers: Dr. James Lee, III of Morgan State
University and Jeraldine Saunders Herbison, among other distinguished
composers of the African Diaspora.
Also,
it must be mentioned that the extraordinarily gifted violinist, Chris
Woods owned the St. Georges Violin Concerto in D Major, becoming one
with the music. His impeccable technique brilliantly showcased the very
essence of St. George's phenomenal virtuosity. Mr. Woods' stunning
performance drew a standing ovation from the enthusiastic audience.
I
produced a new edition of Sinfonia in G and the Concerto for the
performance along with orchestrated arrangements of the National Anthem
and St. Louis Greys Quick Step! Prof. Janise White
No comments:
Post a Comment