Soprano Shelby Banks Makes Her Recital Debut in Copenhagen, Denmark on 10 November 2012 3 PM with 'Ancestral Legacy'

Shelby Banks

"Ancestral Legacy" Is A Musical Tribute to Classical Works of African American Composers Including Duke Ellington and Margaret Bonds, both profiled at AfriClassical.com

New York, NY 22 OCTOBER, 2012 – Shelby Banks, an American soprano described by the Sheboygan Press of Sheboygan, Wisconsin as “angelic...a powerful voice,” comes to Copenhagen, Denmark to make her recital debut performing a collection of operatic arias, art songs and spirituals by composers of African descent.

Ms. Banks will present “Ancestral Legacy,” a musical tribute featuring the classical works of jazz legend Duke Ellington and noted composer Margaret Bonds. The concert will take place at Sct. Andreas Church Gothersgade 148, on Saturday 10 November 2012 from 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM in celebration of the International Church of Copenhagen’s 50^th Anniversary. Information about this concert performance can be obtained by contacting the Church’s Main Office at + (45) 39 62 47 85.

Duke Ellington (1899-1974), known for his most celebrated compositions such as "Take The A Train" "Satin Doll" and "Sophisticated Ladies," composed Three Sacred Concerts in the liturgical style, beginning in the year 1965 with his composition "In The Beginning God," which premiered at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco. The performances were well received around the world in concert halls, churches, synagogues and nightclubs and hotels, with artists such as Swedish operatic soprano Alice Babs performing.

Margaret Bonds (1913-1972) composed her first piece, "The Marquette Street Blues" at the age of 5, demonstrating tremendous talent, which attracted the attention of several mentors including famed composer, Florence Price. She was the first African American composer to perform with the Chicago Symphony. Ms. Bonds is most known for her concertized arrangement of "He's Got The Whole World In His Hands," performed by opera star, Leontyne Price frequently during her career.

The “Ancestral Legacy” concert will also feature the compositions of renowned concert pianist and conductor Dr. Jay Fluellen of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania who will also provide the accompaniment for Ms. Banks during the evening.

Having just performed at Carnegie Hall earlier this year as a featured soloist for a musical tribute to Paul Robeson and a special performance for the International World Day of Prayer in New York City, Ms. Banks embarks on her 5^th year of performing “Ancestral Legacy” across the United States and Europe.