John Malveaux: William Grant Still conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 1936 marked the first time an African-American conducted a major orchestra.

William Grant Still conducting the Los Angeles Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl in a piece titled Old California that he wrote for the city of Los Angeles’ Birthday Concert on Sept. 8, 1965. (http://dornsife.usc.edu/)     

William Grant Still (1895-1978) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, which features a comprehensive Works List by Dr. Dominique-Rene de Lerma,

http://www.CasaMusicaledeLerma.com

John Malveaux of 

www.MusicUNTOLD.com 

writes:

William Grant Still conducted the Los Angeles Philharmonic 1936 performance of his “Afro-American Symphony” at the Hollywood Bowl. The composition was the first symphony composed by an African American and performed by a major symphony orchestra. William Grant Still conducting marked the first time an African-American conducted a major orchestra.

Philpedia does not mention or include William Grant Still in classical music history page or highlights at the Hollywood Bowl page. See  http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/philpedia/hollywood-bowl-history/symphonic-music-and-opera/symphonic-music-highlights and http://www.hollywoodbowl.com/philpedia/hollywood-bowl-history/symphonic-music-and-opera

Thanks

John Malveaux