Tuesday, December 30, 2014

John Malveaux: NAACP Spingarn Medal 12-31-2014 deadline for nominations

Spingarn Medal
http://www.naacp.org/

George Walker (b. 1922) 

has a website at http://georgetwalker.com/
and is featured at AfriClassical.com

John Malveaux of 
writes:

Request to all NAACP members and chapters. December 31, 2014 is the deadline to nominate for Spingarn Medal. Please see home of child prodigy George Walker http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/magazine/george-walker-slept-here-parlor-piano-inspired-career/2012/12/13/7df2a42e-38aa-11e2-b01f-5f55b193f58f_story.html, listen to  "Hoopla" ('A Touch of Glee") https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuuXeTTGoLg, and visit George Walker website http://www.georgetwalker.com/
 
Thanks
John Malveaux


African American Composer, Pianist & Professor H. Leslie Adams, Whose Works Are Often Performed & Recorded, Was Born Dec. 30, 1932 in Cleveland

On December 27, 2014 AfriClassical posted: 



Dr. Dominique-René de Lerma, http://www.CasaMusicaledeLerma.com, writes: "Today is Leslie Adams's birthday."

H. (Harrison) Leslie Adams is an African American composer, pianist and professor who was born in Cleveland, Ohio on December 30, 1932.  His website  is http://www.hleslieadams.com

Dr. Dominique-René de Lerma has specialized in African heritage in classical music for four decades, and has kindly made his research file on the composer available to this website.

We learn from Prof. De Lerma that H. Leslie Adams was a student of both piano and voice before finishing high school: "
A native of Cleveland, Harrison Leslie Adams began private piano study with Dorothy Smith and Mina Eichenbaum and voice with John Howard Tucker.  Following graduation from Glenville High School he enrolled at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music (B.M, 1955), studying composition with Herbert Elwell and Joseph Wood, voice with Robert Fountain, and piano with Emil Dannenberg. He studied composition privately with Robert Starer (1950) and Vittorio Giannini (1960) before attending California State University-Long Beach (M.M., composition and choral music, 1967) where his composition teachers were Leon Dallin and Robert Tyndall. He entered Ohio State University in 1968 and secured his Ph.D. in music education in 1973, a student of Marshall Barnes. Subsequent study of orchestration was guided by Edward Mattilla, Eugene O’Brien, and Marcel Dick (1978-1983)."

Adams went directly from high school to Oberlin Conservatory, Prof. De Lerma writes, eventually earning Bachelor's and Masters degrees in Music and a Ph.D. in Music Education.  Prof. De Lerma explains that Adams was a choral director at Stillman College in Alabama, and went on to hold a variety of positions as a pianist, music director and composer.

For many years, AfriClassical has frequently reported on premieres and other performances of both vocal and instrumental works of H. Leslie Adams.  His opera Blake is another highlight of the composer's career.

Monday, December 29, 2014

John Malveaux: NANM Georgia Laster Branch’s 17th Annual Spotlight on Youth Talent Showcase, Sunday, December 23, 2014 demonstrated accomplishment

Mary Au & John Malveaux

Annelle Kazumi Gregory & John Malveaux

John Malveaux of 
writes:
NANM Georgia Laster Branch’s 17th Annual Spotlight on Youth Talent Showcase, Sunday, December 23, 2014 at Crenshaw United Methodist Church convincingly demonstrated the continued accomplishment of their mission which include identifying, advising, supporting, and presenting outstanding talent from early development to professional career building. Congratulations to the Spotlight on Youth Scholarship winner and the Committee.
The program included performances by the following:
Amber Daughtry (Classical Violinist), Mary Au (Piano accompanist)
Jonathan Tate (Jazz Saxophonist)
Jennifer Lindsay (Classical Vocalist), Mary Au (Piano accompanist)
Keeland Anthony Bowers (Jazz Saxophonist)
Jordan Daniels (Classical Pianist)
Amanda Harris (Classical Vocalist), Mary Au (Piano accompanist)
Aaron David Shaw (Jazz & Classical Saxophonist)
Annelle K Gregory (Classical Violinist)
Please see picture of John Malveaux and Mary Au. Ms. Au will accompany Soprano Jumi Kim during the concert to celebrate 150th anniversary of 13th Amendment Ending Slavery on January 17, 2015 at Luckman Fine Arts Complex on campus of CSULA. Jumi Kim will sing an original poem/song written and composed by Korean composer/educator Joopoong Kim honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Also see picture of John Malveaux and Annelle Gregory. Annelle Kazumi Gregory currently studies under Glenn Dicterow as a Trustee Scholar at USC’s Thornton School of Music.  
Thanks
John Malveaux

Ritz Chamber Players: Please give today and your donation will be matched by The Delores Barr Weaver Fund at the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida!



Is the Ritz Chamber Players on your giving list?

As you check off those last-minute gifts, please remember the Ritz Chamber Players free classical music concert series.

Every contribution matters.  Please give today and your donation will be matched by The Delores Barr Weaver Fund at the Community Foundation for Northeast Florida!


Start the New Year on a great note! A few examples of what your generosity can do within Sphinx's diverse array of programs!

(Photo: Kevin Kennedy)

These are just a few examples of what your generosity can do within Sphinx's diverse
array of programs!

Donations to Sphinx can be made by sending a check to the address below or by making a gift online at www.SphinxMusic.org/donate.

400 Renaissance Center, Suite 2550
Detroit, MI 48243

Mickey Thomas Terry in Recital - Washington National Cathedral in DC, Sunday, Jan. 25 at 5:15 PM; African-American Composers Include Ulysses Kay



Mickey Thomas Terry

Ulysses Kay (1917-1995) is profiled at 
AfriClassical.com, which features a comprehensive Works List by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma, http://www.CasaMusicaledeLerma.com.

Mickey Thomas Terry writes:

On Sunday, January 25th at 5:15 pm, Mickey Thomas 
Terry will be presented in recital at the Washington 
National Cathedral as part of the organ recital series.  
Performed will be works by Bach, Dupre, Widor, as well 
as African-American composers Thomas Kerr, Ulysses
 Kay, and Robert A. Harris.  The African-American works 
appear in Terry's seven-volume "African-American Organ 
Music Anthology," published by MorningStar Music 
Publishers of St. Louis.  The suggested performance 
donation is $10.

Comment by email:
Holiday Greetings Gentlemen. Thank you for this news, 
Bill. I so enjoyed Maestro Terry's concert in NYC​ this fall 
at Saint John the Divine. This  concert is going to be a 
treat for the Washington DC public. A wonderful 2015 
to you both, Virginia [Virginia Kay]

When you become a Friend of L'Académie, you play an active role in our success. Thanks to your support, we are able to share beauty

Leslie Kwan, General Director

Each year, L'Académie thrills audiences through our innovative concert series that bring the transformative power of classical music to patients of all ages at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, and in the Greater Boston community.


When you become a Friend of L'Académie, you play an active role in our success.Thanks to your support, we are able to share beauty and make a tangible difference in people's lives when they need it most.


Please click here and make your tax-deductible donation today- every dollar makes a difference.

Much appreciation,

Leslie Kwan
General Director and Harpsichordist

Sunday, December 28, 2014

Dr. William H. Chapman Nyaho, African American Pianist and Professor, Author of 'Piano Music of Africa and the African Diaspora' was born Dec. 28, 1958


ASA: Piano Music by Composers of African Descent
William Chapman Nyaho, piano
MSR Classics MS1242 (2008)

Senku: Piano Music by Composers of African Descent
William Chapman Nyaho, piano
Musicians Showcase 1091 (2003)

Piano Music of Africa and the African Diaspora
Compiled and Edited by
William H. Chapman Nyaho
Volume 1
Early Intermediate
Oxford University Press (2007)

Dr. William Chapman Nyaho (b. 1958) is featured at AfriClassical.com. He is a well-traveled recitalist with a great many residencies to his credit.  He turns 56 today, with landmark recordings and sheet music publications to his credit. His performance website is http://www.nyaho.com/ and he has a Facebook Page.

Nyaho.com

William Chapman Nyaho brings a unique cultural background and extraordinarily eclectic sense of music to the concert hall, propelling an evening of his music to, as one critic put it, "reach great heights."

His teaching experience and great sensitivity make the master classes, lectures and school activities highlights of his residencies that almost rival his exciting performances.

His performances with Susanna Garcia in the well-respected Nyaho/Garcia Duo have equally won critcial acclaim.

Nyaho's love of music, expressed through his insightful technique, creates an exciting musical experience for the experienced music devotee and newcomer alike.

MusicUNTOLD: Lara Downes recital March 7, 2015 at Long Beach Public Library-Main Library Auditorium celebrates 100th Anniversary of Billie Holiday

John Malveaux of 
writes:

Please see flyer of Lara Downes recital on March 7, 2015 at Long Beach Public Library-Main Library Auditorium to celebrate 100th anniversary of Billie Holiday  presented by MusicUNTOLD. Additional recital date in Los Angeles to be announced early January 2015
 
Thanks
John

Steinway Artist Lara Downes on 'A Billie Holiday Songbook': The Billie Holiday album is available now for pre-orders at Amazon!


BUT BEAUTIFUL: A Pianist Remembers Billie Holiday
A special recital commemorating the 100th anniversary of the birth of the legendary Billie Holiday. Lara brings her radiant sensitivity to an intimate exploration of the world in which Lady Day came to greatness, and the songs forever associated with her iconic interpretations.

Transcending historical divisions of genre, Lara positions songs including God Bless the Child, Strange Fruit, and But Beautiful along with works of the period by jazz-influenced concert composers including Ravel, Schulhoff, Ellington, Copland, Florence Price and Gershwin, capturing the essence of what defines the unique sound of  American art music and our American legacy. With video and text overlay that illustrates the life and change of Lady Day's century.

Solo piano transcriptions of the Billie Holiday Songbook by Jed Distler. 
.
Florence B. Price (1887-1953) and Duke Ellington (1899-1974) are profiled at AfriClassical.com,  which features a comprehensive Works List for Florence Price by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma, http://www.CasaMusicaledeLerma.com.


A Billie Holiday Songbook
Lara Downes, Pianist
Solo Piano Arrangements by Jed Distler
Steinway & Sons

Lara Downes writes:

Dear Bill,
I hope you had a very happy holiday!
I hope your followers will take the opportunity to pre-order at the guaranteed price. The pre-orders are so important for artists, as you know.The Billie Holiday album is available now for pre-orders at Amazon! 

All my best, with warmest wishes for a very happy and healthy New Year!

L


Lara Downes
Twitter:@laradownes
Skype: LaraD88

Saturday, December 27, 2014

Sergio A. Mims airs special Monday program on WHPK-FM & www.whpk.org 12-3PM CST with Stewart Goodyear's CD of Beethoven's Sonata No. 15 "Pastoral"


Ludwig Van Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas
Stewart Goodyear, piano
Marquis Classics 81513 (2012)

Sergio A. Mims writes:

I wanted you and your readers to know that I'm doing an extra special Monday program along with my regular Wednesday weekly classical music radio show on WHPK-FM in Chicago (88.5. FM and www.whpk.org livestream 12-3 PM Central Standard Time) 

And on my Monday show I will be playing Stewart Goodyear's recording of   Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 15 "Pastoral" along with the complete ballet version Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet 

THANKS

Sergio

ArkivMusic.com

Beethoven: The Complete Piano Sonatas / Stewart Goodyear

Goodyear, Stewart
Release Date: 09/25/2012 
Label:  Marquis   Catalog #: 81513   Spars Code: DDD
Composer:  Ludwig van Beethoven
Performer:  Stewart Goodyear
Number of Discs: 10 
Recorded in: Stereo 
Back Order: Usually ships in 2 to 3 weeks.            

John Malveaux: A Stanford researcher shares some research that may be helpful to explain and prevent future shootings

Jennifer Eberhardt

John Malveaux of 
writes:

A Stanford researcher shares some research that may be helpful to explain and prevent future shootings.  See http://www.macfound.org/fellows/913/

John Malveaux


Jennifer Eberhardt


ennifer L. Eberhardt is a social psychologist investigating the subtle, complex, largely unconscious yet deeply ingrained ways that individuals racially code and categorize people, with a particular focus on associations between race and crime. Through collaborations with experts in criminology, law, and anthropology, as well as novel studies that engage law enforcement and jurors, Eberhardt is revealing new insights about the extent to which race imagery and judgments suffuse our culture and society. - See more at: http://www.macfound.org/fellows/913/#sthash.kyJYRkC4.dpuf

MacArthur Fellows Program

Jennifer L. Eberhardt

Social Psychologist

Associate Professor, Department of Psychology
Stanford University
Stanford, CA
Age: 49
Published September 17, 2014
Jennifer L. Eberhardt is a social psychologist investigating the subtle, complex, largely unconscious yet deeply ingrained ways that individuals racially code and categorize people, with a particular focus on associations between race and crime. Through collaborations with experts in criminology, law, and anthropology, as well as novel studies that engage law enforcement and jurors, Eberhardt is revealing new insights about the extent to which race imagery and judgments suffuse our culture and society.
- See more at: http://www.macfound.org/fellows/913/#sthash.kyJYRkC4.dpuf

H. Leslie Adams: PIANO ETUDES (Complete in two parts, total 141 mins.) ; Part I by Pianist Maria Corley; Part II by Pianist Thomas Otten, YouTube

 The H. Leslie Adams (b. 1932) Homepage is at: 
http://www.hleslieadams.com  H. Leslie Adams 
is profiled at AfriClassical.comwhich features a 
comprehensive Works List by Dr. Dominique-René de Lerma, http://www.CasaMusicaledeLerma.com

H. Leslie Adams PIANO ETUDES Part I, Maria Corley, YouTube

H. Leslie Adams PIANO ETUDES Part II, Thomas Otten, YouTube

H. Leslie Adams

Announcement

H. Leslie Adams' PIANO ETUDES (Complete; 139 min.) is now available for viewing online at

http://tinyurl.com/lfhpsvh

H. Leslie Adams


Published on Dec 21, 2014
Piano Etudes by H. Leslie Adams

Maria Corley, pianist
Recorded live at Hill Hall, University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC 11/1/14

Thomas Otten, pianist
Recorded live at Hill Hall, University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, NC 11/2/14

Website for composer H. Leslie Adams
www.hleslieadams.com


Video by Mark Manring
www.manring.net



Publisher

H. Leslie Adams' PIANO ETUDES is published by the American Composers Alliance (BMI).  Copies may be ordered by email at 


info@composers.com
PO Box 1108
New York, NY 10040

212-925-0458j
917-544-2912 


Thursday, December 25, 2014

Ronen Chamber Ensemble: Music of African-American Composers Feb. 16, 2015 at University of Indianapolis, including works of David Baker & Margaret Bonds




Margaret Allison Bonds (1913-1972) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, which features a comprehensive Works List and a Bibliography by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma, www.CasaMusicaledeLerma.com.



Ingrid Fischer Bellman writes:

The Ronen Chamber Ensemble of Indianapolis, IN, will present a concert Feb. 16, 2015, at the University of Indianapolis, featuring music by African-American composers,
         The concert will include two pieces by David Baker, head of the jazz department at Indiana University in Bloomington. Trained as a classical musician, Baker has his feet planted as firmly in classical music as he does in jazz.
The Ronen was co-founded by David Bellman, principal clarinetist with the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, and his wife Ingrid Fischer-Bellman, an ISO cellist. The ensemble specializes in music for winds and strings. 
         Fischer-Bellman met Baker through Janos Starker, her cello teacher at IU. One of the Baker pieces, Duo for clarinet and cello, was commissioned by the Ronen and first played at a concert in 1988.
The ensemble also will play an excerpt from Baker's Sonata for cello and piano. Other pieces on the program are:
·      Undine Smith Moore's Afro-American Suite for flute, cello and piano.
·      Piano pieces by three African-America women composers Julia Perry, Betty Jackson King and Margaret Bonds.
·      Anthony Kelley’s Grist for the Mill for flute, clarinet, cello and percussion, originally commissioned by the Mellarme Chamber Players.
“The Ronen Chamber Ensemble is really eager to pay tribute to the beautiful music written by all these composers,” says Fischer-Bellman, who programmed the concert and is in charge of Ronen’s educational outreach program. 
The concert will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16 in the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center on the University of Indianapolis campus. Parts of the concert also are being performed as an educational outreach program at two Indianapolis high schools with largely African-American and Hispanic student bodies.
One is Crispus Attucks, from which Baker, a native of Indianapolis, graduated when it was the state’s leading African-American high school. It now is a medical magnet high school in the Indianapolis Public Schools system.
The other is Ben Davis High School, on the Indianapolis far west side, which has a large African-American and Hispanic student body. There is no charge for any of these programs. 
For more information check the ensemble website: www.ronenchamber.org, or visit us on the Ronen Chamber Ensemble Facebook page.

John Malveaux: MusicUNTOLD will provide FREE bus transit from 1550 MLK Jr. Ave. to Luckman Fine Arts Complex at Cal. State Univ. L.A. 5:45 PM Jan. 17, 2015

Roy Ellsworth Harris (1898-1979)

John Malveaux of 
writes:

MusicUNTOLD and California State University Los Angeles will co-present a concert to celebrate the 150th anniversary of 13th Amendment to U.S. Constitution Ending Slavery, 7:30 PM, January 17, 2015,  Luckman Fine Arts Complex on the campus of California State University Los Angeles. 
 
Through the courtesy of Los Angeles County  Fourth District Supervisor Don Knabe, MusicUNTOLD will provide FREE bus transportation, with 5:45 PM departure on January 17, 2015, from 1550 MLK Jr. Ave., (McBride Park). Please contact John Malveaux (562) 436-4352, jmalveaux@gmail.com for advance bus signup and purchase of concert tickets.
 
See
 
John Malveaux

Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Jeffrey Mumford: PEACE of mind, of body, of spirit - Happy Holidays!

Jeffrey Mumford
(Photo: Ronald Jantz)
www.jeffreymumford.com


PEACE

of mind

of body

of spirit


I am a perpetual optimist.

I hope we can achieve these soon!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!


Best,

J  [Jeffrey Mumford]

Comment by email:
Thank you!  Best,  J   [Jeffrey Mumford]

Errollyn Wallen: Merry Christmas to One and All - Sending You Season's Greetings from a Mango Tree, Belize

Errollyn Wallen writes:

Sending you season's greetings from a mango tree.

If you need reminding of snow, I will sing you a winter song:


Happy Christmas!

Errollyn 

Sergio A. Mims: 'Kevin John Edusei · KONZERT THEATER BERN' YouTube (5:23)

Kevin John Edusei
Published on Jul 9, 2014

Sergio A. Mims writes:

I came across this video of conductor Keith john Edusei the principal conductor of the Munich Symphony rehearsing a performance  of Britten's opera Peter Grimes from this past summer.

Sergio

Comment by email:
chief conductor of the Münchner Symphoniker  [John Malveaux]



John Malveaux: Long Beach Ballet & MusicUNTOLD gave donated tickets to NUTCRACKER performances Dec. 13 & 20, 2014 to underserved youth and adults

                      Snow Queen Ellen Bigelow and aspiring teens

Stone Houston and Ellen Bigelow

John Malveaux of 
writes:

Through a community partnership with Long Beach Ballet, MusicUNTOLD distributed donated tickets to underserved youth and adults for Dec. 13 & 20 performances of NUTCRACKER. Please see SNOW QUEEN, Ellen Bigelow, sharing a photo with two aspiring teens attending their first ballet and being interviewed by MusicUNTOLD student reporter Stone Houston, president of Jackie Robinson Academy. 

Thanks
John Malveaux

Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges, Afro-French Composer, Violinist, Conductor & Fencer, was born Dec. 25, 1745; Music Missing from History & Concert Programs




Violin Concertos, Op. 5, Nos. 1 & 2; Op. 3, No. 1; Op. 8, No. 9

Bernard  Thomas Chamber Orchestra
Jean-Jacques Kantorow, Violin 
Arion 68093 (1990)



Joseph de Bologne, Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges was born on Dec. 25, 1745 on the island of Guadeloupe. Nanon, his mother, was a slave owned by Joseph's father. At age 8 Joseph was sent to school in France, arriving in August, 1753. Joseph's parents later joined him in France. In October, 1756 the 13-year-old entered the fencing academy of Nicolas Texier de La Böessière. During six years of rigorous instruction in fencing and academic subjects, Joseph gained a reputation as one of France's leading fencers.

At 17, biographer Pierre Bardin tells us, he purchased the Office of Controller Ordinary of Wars, which entitled him to use the title “Le Chevalier.” Saint-Georges was an exceptional athlete who excelled in numerous outdoor activities, including riding, skating and swimming. His musical ability and education allowed him to master the harpsichord and violin, winning dedications of works from prominent composers, including Antonio Lolli in 1764 and François-Joseph Gossec in 1766.

Gossec founded Le Concert des amateurs, a prestigious ensemble of which Saint-Georges was first a violinist, then a concert master by 1771. Two years later he had begun composing and was chosen to succeed Gossec as conductor. From 1773-1775, he produced 8 violin concertos and 2 symphonies concertantes, according to the Works List compiled by Gabriel Banat. In 1775, only two years after Saint-Georges became Conductor, L'Almanach Musical [The Musical Almanac] wrote that the ensemble was "the best orchestra for symphonies in Paris and perhaps in Europe".

Saint-Georges was appointed director of the fashionable private theater of the Marquise de Montesson and was thus able to present a number of works written by himself and others. He reached his peak as a composer by 1778, helping to pioneer the string quartet and the symphony concertante in France. Saint-Georges regularly played music with Queen Marie-Antoniette, a harpsichordist, at Versailles.

The first orchestra went out of business in 1781 for financial reasons. Masons quickly organized a replacement, Le Concert de la Loge Olympique. Saint-Georges was authorized to commission the six Paris Symphonies of Franz Joseph Haydn. He and the Concert de la Loge Olympique premiered the symphonies, Nos. 82-87, in a triumphant series of concerts in 1787. Queen Marie-Antoniette attended. Symphony No. 85 is called The Queen because it was Her Majesty's favorite.

Saint-Georges joined the National Guard during the French Revolution, but was soon appointed Colonel of the unit known as the “Saint-Georges Legion.” It was comprised of 1,000 volunteers of color. He and his troops fought with honor and distinction, but he was imprisoned on false charges. In spite of an acquittal, he was never reinstated to the French Army. In 1797 he took on his last musical ensemble, the Circle of Harmony. He died of an untreated bladder ailment on June 10, 1799. The newspapers of France paid tribute to him upon his death.

His music was no longer played often for nearly two centuries after his death. A major revival has occurred in the CD era, and many of his works are now available. Recent recordings include Sandrine Chatron's 2009 CD of music for harp Le salon de musique de Marie-Antoinette, including the Sonata for harp and flute of Saint-Georges on the Ambroisie label; and the 2009 release of an MP3 audio download at ClassicsOnline.com of Natalie Hinderas Plays Sensuous Piano Music by Berg, Ravel, Ginastera, Rachmaninov, Liszt and Saint-Georges, originally an Orion LP, which includes the Adagio in F Minor (6:25) of Saint-Georges. Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges has yet to receive full recognition of his achievements in either mainstream History or the standard concert repertoire. [Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745-1799) is profiled at AfriClassical.com]

Comment by Twitter:

Oliver Braithwaite, @ClassicalPurist, Tweeted on January 11, 2015:

The first classical composer of African ancestry was born in 1745. Once forgotten but now enjoying a revival: