William Grant Still (1895-1978) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, which features a comprehensive Works List by Dr. Dominique-Rene de Lerma.
Portales, New Mexico
January 18, 2016
The MLK marching parade started at the Memorial Building and ended at ENMU’s [Eastern New Mexico University's] Buchanan Hall where a presentation was held.
The presentation featured a tribute and performance of the
work of African American composer William Grant Still by ENMU Music
Professor Dr. Jean Wozencraft-Ornellas and student Roberto Garza, as
well as a speech by Portales Schools Superintendent Johnnie Cain and a
Q&A session with current Portales High School Principal Mark
Gormley.
Wozencraft-Ornellas said her presentation was on an artist,
who “So successfully navigated a world that was very much a white world
at a time when black composers were just starting to be recognized, but
only in certain genres.”
According to Ornellas, “William Grant Still was able to
carve a way for himself and future black composers and performers and
conductors in some amazing ways.”
Her presentation highlighted Still’s career and how made a
name for himself as one of the most renowned African American composers
of classical music. After the presentation, Wozencraft-Ornellas was
joined by ENMU student Roberto Garza to perform Still’s work “Songs of
Separation.”
The parade was attended by several Portales residents, including students of ENMU.
Comment by email:
Thanks, Bill. You wouldn't believe how busy we are right now. I think an awareness of the need to get past bigotry has really hit the country. [Judith Anne Still]
Comment by email:
Thanks, Bill. You wouldn't believe how busy we are right now. I think an awareness of the need to get past bigotry has really hit the country. [Judith Anne Still]
No comments:
Post a Comment