Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Johgn Malveaux: Daily Mail: Hitler's Holocaust blueprint: A new book reveals how the Kaiser's Germany used concentration camps in Africa

The Kaiser's Holocaust: Germany's Forgotten Genocuide
David Olusoga & Casper W. Erichsen
Faber & Faber

John Malveaux of 
writes:

Africans were Hitler's genocide blueprint 

Shark Island is not Namibia's only gruesome secret. Thousands more bodies are piled in a mass grave under the railway station in the capital Windhoek and more still are piled into a burial pit under the national museum.

The story of the German extermination of the Herero and Nama peoples has been expunged from the history books  -  and the tourists and scuba divers on the Shark Bay waterfront will find no mention of it in their guides.



Toni-Marie Montgomery and Anthony Elliott to present recital at Northwestern University Bienen School of Music, April 11, 2016 at 7:30 p.m.

Toni-Marie Montgomery

Anthony Elliott

Music For Cello And Piano by African-American Composers
Anthony Elliott, cello; Toni-Marie Montgomery, piano (2003)

Pianist Toni-Marie Montgomery, Dean of the Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music and the first African-American dean at Northwestern University, will present an upcoming recital with cellist Anthony Elliott, Professor of Cello in the School of Music, Theatre & Dance at the University of Michigan, on Monday, April 11, featuring works by Barber, Debussy and Strauss.

The recital will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the Mary B. Galvin Recital Hall, a stunning performance venue in the Bienen School’s new Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Center for the Musical Arts on Northwestern’s Evanston campus. Tickets are $8. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit concertsatbienen.org.

Program

Samuel Barber Sonata for Violoncello and Piano
Claude Debussy Sonata for Violoncello and Piano
Richard Strauss Sonata for Cello and Piano in F Major, Opus 6

Artist Biographies
A graduate of the University of Michigan and the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts, Toni-Marie Montgomery was a founding member of the Black Music Repertory Ensemble of Columbia College Chicago. She has performed throughout the United States and in Australia, Brazil, Hawaii, Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. Montgomery recently received the 2016 Golden Baton Award from Midwest Young Artists, which honors individuals who have made significant contributions to classical music.

Anthony Elliott, a protégé of Janos Starker and Frank Miller, is an in-demand soloist, chamber music performer, and teacher. He has performed with the New York Philharmonic, Minnesota Orchestra, Detroit Symphony, Vancouver Symphony, and CBC Toronto Orchestra. Elliott studied with two legendary figures of the cello, Janos Starker and Frank Miller. Presently he is a Professor of Music at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Montgomery and Elliott have recorded a CD of cello-piano music by African American composers.

More than $30,000 raised at Albany State University Atlanta scholarship celebration; Painting by Leroy Campbell auctioned to Greg Hylick, President of ASU Foundation

Greg Hylick, ASU alumnus and president of the ASU Foundation, (right) receives an original painting by artist Leroy Campbell  (left) after bidding $4,000 during a live auction at Saturday’s “Party with a Purpose” benefit in Atlanta. Photo credit: Reginald Christian

Albany State University

ALBANY, Ga. – A lively and energetic atmosphere proved to be the best setting for raising funds for student scholarships. Albany State University alumni and supporters raised $30,600 for need-based scholarships at Saturday’s “Party with a Purpose” benefit held at the prestigious Commerce Club in downtown Atlanta. 
“This is a proud day for ASU,” President Art Dunning said to a group of nearly 160 alumni and supporters. “The future of the university depends on the people in this room.”
The event, held in collaboration with the Tom Joyner Foundation, was the first of many university initiatives for the Tom Joyner School of the Month campaign. As the November School of the Month, the TJF will promote raising funds for the university and highlight its programs for the entire year. ASU will be featured daily during the month of November. 
During the live auction, Greg Hylick, president of the ASU Foundation, made a successful bid of $4,000 on an exclusive Leroy Campbell original painting. Dunning and first-lady Karen Baynes-Dunning were so inspired, they committed another $4,000 to support need-based scholarships. A silent auction that featured original artwork by ASU students was also a great success, with many of the pieces earning more than $100 bids. 
“Much like the band’s performance in Pasadena, the student artwork was just another shining example of how talented ASU students are,” said Chanta Haywood, ASU vice president of Institutional Advancement and executive director of the ASU Foundation. “They need our support to nurture that talent so that they may graduate and inspire future generations.”
Co-hosts, television actress JoMarie Payton and the Honorable Glenda Hatchett, Atlanta attorney and star of the former “Judge Hatchett” television show, helped to reinforce the importance of giving by making donations of their own.
After hearing about the upcoming groundbreaking for the ASU Fine Arts Center, Payton wrote a check for $500 toward fine arts scholarships.
“The young people that we support with our donations are the biggest investment we can make in our lives,” said Payton, a native Albanian.
“We don’t want to look back and say we wish we would have done a little more,” said Hatchett, who served as the 2014 Spring Commencement speaker at Albany State. “We are claiming extraordinary things for ASU. We have work to do, and it’s on our collective shoulders to get it done.”
Fitting the occasion, a $2,500 scholarship was presented to social work major, Debra Rucks. The inaugural scholarship is part of the $25,000 endowment by Virginia Harris and family, in honor of her husband, Keith Harris.
“Ms. Rucks will likely graduate on time and begin helping her community as a result of this generous donation,” Haywood said. “All donations matter, no matter the size. Collectively, small amounts add up to make large differences and that's something to celebrate.”
“Party with a Purpose” was the first event in ASU’s “Week of Giving” initiative, which began Saturday, March 26 and will culminate on Founder’s Day, Friday, April 1. The “Week of Giving” is an invitation to students, alumni, faculty, staff, parents and friends to give back through donations and personal involvement. To make a donation, visit giveto.asurams.edu.

###

About Albany State University … Albany State University, in Southwest Georgia, has been a catalyst for change in the region from its inception as the Albany Bible and Manual Training Institute to its designation as a university. Founded in 1903 to educate African-American youth, the university continues to fulfill its historic mission while also serving the educational needs of an increasingly diverse student population. A progressive institution, Albany State University seeks to foster the growth and development of the region, state and nation through teaching, research, creative expression and public service. Through its collaborative efforts, the university responds to the needs of all of its constituents and offers educational programs and service to improve the quality of life in Southwest Georgia. For more information see http://www.asurams.edu. Follow the university on Twitter at @AlbanyStateUniv and on Facebook at Albany State University Official Page.

Monday, March 28, 2016

The second historical African Diaspora World Tourism Awards will be held in Atlanta this coming August 26-28th

Kitty Pope writes:

African Diaspora World Tourism Awards set for August in Atlanta

     The second historical African Diaspora World Tourism Awards will be held in Atlanta this coming August 26-28th. Upon the success of the inaugural awards ceremony, the upcoming event promises to be bigger and brighter. This is a must-attend event for all people interested in cultural heritage tourism and travel. A list of stellar guests from all over the world are expected to attend.  Learn more.
      
 Nominations are being accepted until June 30. Please nominate someone who you feel has made outstanding contributions in African Diaspora Cultural Heritage Tourism and travel. Click here



                                       *******************************

Xavier University Names Gia Soublet Vice President for Institutional Advancement


Gia Soublet

NEW ORLEANS (March 28, 2016) — Xavier University of Louisiana announced today that Gia Soublet has been named Vice President for Institutional Advancement. Ms. Soublet’s appointment was made by President Dr. C. Reynold Verret with enthusiastic support of the University’s Board of Trustees. 
“I am pleased to appoint Ms. Soublet to this important role within the University,” said President Verret. “For nearly a decade she has successfully guided fundraising efforts at Xavier and more than proven her ability to lead in the position. Furthermore, as an alumna, Ms. Soublet embodies Xavier’s mission and values, and she has the experience, ideas, and leadership abilities to advance the University’s goals.”
Soublet, who has served the same position in an interim basis since July 2015, oversees the operations of the University’s Development, Alumni Relations, and Media Relations offices. 
“I am honored to have been appointed to this position at my alma mater,” said Soublet. “With a deep appreciation for Xavier’s rich history and tradition, I will be working to support President Verret’s inspired vision for the University’s future.”
Soublet has more than 20 years of successful development and fundraising experience, including serving at Xavier as Assistant Vice President in Institutional Advancement since 2007, where she cultivated and stewarded corporate and foundation partnerships and managed a pool of individuals and alumni.
Previously she served at United Way for Greater New Orleans, where she won numerous national participation and goal achievement awards, and at Dillard University, where served as Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations.
A 1991 graduate of Xavier University of Louisiana, Soublet also holds a Master’s degree in Management from the University of Phoenix.

About Xavier University of Louisiana
Xavier University of Louisiana, founded by Saint Katharine Drexel and the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament, is Catholic and historically Black. The ultimate purpose of the University is to contribute to the promotion of a more just and humane society by preparing its students to assume roles of leadership and service in a global society.  This preparation takes place in a diverse learning and teaching environment that incorporates all relevant educational means, including research and community service.Xavier is recognized as the top producer of African American undergraduates continuing to complete medical school and one of the top three producers of African American Doctor of Pharmacy degree recipients. Xavier ranks first nationally in the number of African American students earning undergraduate degrees in biology and life sciences, chemistry, physics and pharmacy.
###

John Malveaux: Maestro Julius P Williams has been contracted by MusicUNTOLD to select and conduct an existing or ad hoc orchestra and large chorus for July 8, 2018

Maestro Julius P. Williams, Composer, Conductor and Professor, has a website at http://www.juliuspwilliams.com/ and is featured at AfriClassical.com

John Malveaux of 
writes:

Maestro Julius P Williams has been contracted by MusicUNTOLD to select and conduct an existing or ad hoc orchestra and large chorus for July 8, 2018 concert to celebrate the 150th anniversary of 14th amendment (citizenship to people of African descent and due process of law), July 8, 2018, DAR Constitution Hall, Washington DC. See http://www.juliuspwilliams.com/

John Malveaux

Chamber Music NY & Harlem Chamber Players Spring Concert Merkin Concert Hall Thursday, April 21, 2016 at 7:30 PM; Premiere of Jeffrey Scott's "A Hug for Harlem"

From L.: Ariel Rudiakov, Jeffrey Scott, Terrance McKnight, Ashley Horne

Spring Concert
Thursday, April 21, 2016 at 7:30 PM


Merkin Concert Hall
129 West 67th Street
New York, NY 10036
Between Broadway and Amsterdam
Click here for directions.

Program
Stravinsky Concerto in E-flat "Dumbarton Oaks"
Bernstein Serenade after Plato's "Symposium"*
Jeffrey Scott A Hug for Harlem (World Premiere)
Copland Appalachian Spring

Featuring
Ariel Rudiakov, Conductor
Terrance McKnight, Host and Orator
Ashley Horne, Solo Violinist
with members of The Harlem Chamber Players and special guest performers


Tickets
This concert is FREE and open to the public. RSVP required.


The Harlem Chamber Players and ChamberMusicNY commissioned Jeffrey Scott to compose A Hug for Harlem for orator and orchestra especially for this concert. This piece is inspired by the poetry of various prolific writers of the Harlem Renaissance Era -- Countee Cullen, Zora Neale Hurston and Wallace Thurman.

Jeffrey Scott writes what he calls "urban classical music." Scott draws from his experience and joy of composing musical "Hugs" to honor personalities or locales. Most recently, he has composed A Hug for Sharon for bassoon and piano and A Hug for Gonzalo, which, like A Hug for Harlem, fuses strings, winds, percussion and spoken word.




The Harlem Chamber Players 2015 - 2016 Season is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council; in part by Council Member Inez E. Dickens, 9th Council District, Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito and the New York City Council; in part by a grant from Columbia Community Service; a grant from the West Harlem Development Corporation of Tides Corporation; a grant from the Turrell Fund for educational programs throughout the Newark area; and through the generous donations of our individual supporters. This 2015 - 2016 Season is also made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature, The Lily Auchincloss Foundation (in honor of the legacy of Janet Wolfe), the Puffin Foundation Ltd., and the Manhattan Community Award Program through Manhattan Borough President, Gale A. Brewer's office.

Sunday, March 27, 2016

St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Soprano Julia Bullock returns to her hometown with a recital [8 PM Wednesday, March 30, 2016, Sheldon Concert Hall]


Julia Bullock
(Dario Acosta)


Julia Bullock is coming home.

Bullock — whose voice New York Times chief critic Anthony Tommasini has praised with words like “plush, full and nuanced ... ravishing, impassioned” — will give a recital at the Sheldon Concert Hall on Wednesday night.

It’s part of a tour that will take her from San Diego to Washington, D.C. On the program (which she calls “a nice mix” of music) are songs by American composers, including Henry Cowell, Samuel Barber and William Grant Still, along with some Ravel and works by Kurt Weill.

The daughter of Allyce Pletcher Bullock and the late Johnny Bullock Jr., she grew up in Webster Groves and sang in a children’s choir at Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Her stepfather, John Richards, helped to introduce her to classical music and opera.

A onetime Muny Kid, a 2005 graduate of John Burroughs and an alumna of Opera Theatre of St. Louis’ Artists-in-Training program, the New York-based soprano, 29, has won a host of prestigious awards and garnered rave reviews for her singing in both opera and concert, both in the United States and abroad, from Europe to South America to China.

Bullock has intelligence and a social conscience to go with her vocal gifts; her last St. Louis recital, in 2010, was a joint fundraiser for the Shropshire Music Foundation, which brings music education and performance programs to war-impacted children, and the St. Louis Center for Survivors of Torture and War Trauma.

The last time she sang here, in 2014, was in the “#WithNormandy” concert at Normandy High School, where she performed alongside soprano Christine Brewer and mezzo-soprano Denyce Graves and provided some of the afternoon’s most exciting moments. This time, Bullock, and the music, will hold the spotlight. “To be coming back to St. Louis and doing this is exciting,” she says.

Bullock was just back from Washington when she found time to sit down for a telephone interview. In D.C., the Sphinx Organization, dedicated to encouraging diversity in the arts and encouraging young musicians of color, awarded her the Sphinx Medal of Excellence and a career grant of $50,000.

“I accepted the award at the Kennedy Center, and then we had a performance at the Supreme Court with Justice Sotomayor, which was just amazing,” she says.

The Sphinx Award was particularly meaningful for Bullock. “I knew when I started studying classical music that 99 percent of the time I’d be doing repertoire by white people, predominantly by white men, and be working mostly with white people. It wasn’t unfamiliar or uncomfortable for me in any way, because I’m of mixed heritage. I did feel there might be a denial of a part of myself.”

When she was younger, she says, “I went through a time of being ashamed of sharing all of myself. I wanted to shield pieces and parts, depending on the people I was around. As time went on, I began to reject the self-imposed restrictions and limitations that I was putting on myself about what it was to be a classical singer, how I needed to look, how I needed to behave, repertoire that I needed to sing. Now I’m unafraid to put all of me into my programs, regardless of where I’m going and the communities I’m singing in.”

The Sphinx Award confirmed to Bullock that she’d made the right choices. “To have an organization (Sphinx) that promotes the work of Latin American and black American performers call me and want to acknowledge the work I was doing was a real affirmation of the shift” she’d made.

She’s also preparing to perform at the Ojai Festival this June. She’ll sing the American premiere of the chamber version of Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho’s “La Passion de Simone,” an opera-oratorio on the life of activist Simone Weil. She’s working with collaborators to develop a new piece about Josephine Baker, to be given there and at Berkeley.

***


Julia Bullock in recital
When • 8 p.m. Wednesday
Where • Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Boulevard
How much • $20-$25 (students $10)

More info • 314-533-9900; sheldonconcerthall.org

Comment by email:
Your articles are always timely and important,

However, It is still important when we refer to American 
People of color, that they are addressed in
Capital letters.  Thus always please type 
'Black' Americans with a 'capital B' when
making such a reference in the article on 
Julia Bulloch.  

The mention of Latino Americans 
was not typed as 'latino' with a lower-cased 
'l'. In fact, the computer will automatically 
correct to capital L.  

The same should bedone for Black American 
if it was done on a consistent basis in all publications,
especially in historical newspapers and other
print media such as the historic ST. LOUIS
POST-DISPATCH that should be familiar with 
the decades-long NAACP fight to capitalize the 
N in the designation Negro.  The proper 
category is African American, so there is no
question about capitalization.   

Thank you for your attention to this matter.


Cleonis Golding

John Malveaux: Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome lecture and book by Dr. Joy DeGruy


Dr. Joy DeGruy
Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome

John Malveaux of 
writes:

Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome lecture and book by Dr. Joy DeGruy https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MH7tpAK8APY  

John Malveaux



Saturday, March 26, 2016

John Malveaux: Latonia Moore gave her first Met performance in the role of Cio-Cio-San in Puccini’s Madama Butterfly Wed., March 2, replacing Hei-Kyung Hong

Latonia Moore

John Malveaux of 
writes:

Latonia Moore set the Met reeling in her first Met performance in the role of Cio-Cio-San in Puccini’s Madama Butterfly on Wednesday, March 2, replacing Hei-Kyung Hong, who was ill.

Moore, who made a notable Met debut in 2012 as the title character in Verdi’s Aida, has sung Cio-Cio-San at the Hamburg State Opera and will sing the next month with San Diego Opera. She recently made her role debut as the title character in Puccini’s Tosca with New York City Opera Renaissance and sang Aida with Zurich Opera, Bergen National Opera, and Opera Australia. She will return to the Met next season to reprise the role of Aida.
Latonia Moore last performed in Los Angeles on September 22, 2012 during a concert to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Emancipation Proclamation co-produced by MusicUNTOLD and KUSC Classical Radio. 
John Malveaux

On March 29, 2016 The Formosa Quartet premieres Lei Liang's "Song Recollections," at San Diego Museum of Art, that Art of Élan commissioned with national support

Art of Élan's ensemble-in-residence, the Formosa Quartet

Demarre McGill and Kate Hatmaker

About Art of Élan

For the past 8 years, Art of Élan has been pioneering unique events and bringing the excitement of classical music to diverse audiences. Created by violinist Kate Hatmaker and flutist Demarre McGill, Art of Élan continually expands the scope of classical music in San Diego through its innovative, one-hour programming in unique performance venues.  By drawing inspiration from the word élan, which represents momentum, vigor and spirit, and providing an opportunity to connect directly with concertgoers, Art of Élan continues to engage and energize audiences in new ways.

On March 29th at The San Diego Museum of Art the Formosa Quartet premieres Lei Liang's "Song Recollections," the much-anticipated string quartet that Art of Élan commissioned with national support from Chamber Music America and the Koussevitzky Foundation. This is the second year of the Formosa Quartet's residency with Art of Élan, which has included performance and commissioning opportunities, as well as recording support. In addition to "Song Recollections," the March 29th program features "Hungarian Folk Songs," also written for the Formosa Quartet by American composer Dana Wilson, as well as "Threnodies I and II" for flute, violin, viola and cello by Aaron Copland.

Although this concert has been sold out for several weeks already, a limited number of additional tickets were just released for sale and can be purchased by clicking on the link below. You may also purchase tickets for our May 17th concert at The San Diego Museum of Art through this link:


 

As always, we thank you for your ongoing interest and support and we look forward to seeing you at a concert soon!
~Kate & Demarre

John Malveaux: When Jesus stumbled while carrying his cross to Calvary, an African from Libya, Simon of Cyrene, took up Jesus' burden, per the Gospel of Mark

John Malveaux of 
writes:

An African played an important role at the time of Jesus' crucifixion. When Jesus stumbled while carrying his cross to Calvary, Simon of Cyrene, took up Jesus' burdenHis home town, Cyrene, Libya, was located in northern Africa. Mark, who wrote the Gospel of Mark, was also a man of Cyrene, a north African Jew like Simon of Cyrene.

John Malveaux

John Malveaux: Jennifer Lindsay & Cedric Berry sing excerpts from Adams opera "I was looking at the ceiling and saw the sky" at Disney Concert Hall, April 19 with LA Phil

Jennifer Lindsay

Cedric Berry

John Malveaux of 
writes:

Soprano Jennifer Lindsay and Bass-Baritone Cedric Berry will sing excerpts from John Adams's contemporary opera "I was looking at the ceiling and saw the sky" at Disney Concert Hall, April 19, 2016 with LA Phil (New Music Group). See http://www.laphil.com/tickets/21c-liederabend-op-la/2016-04-19. Jennifer Lindsay is also a violinist. She was a member of MusicUNTOLD String Quartet that opened the August 18, 2013 concert at Zipper Hall-Colburn School to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the March on Washington and Dr. King's I Have A Dream speech. Cedric Berry was soloist during same program co-hosted by KUSC Classical Radio Dennis Bartel and Dr. Zanaida Robles-Soprano (LA Master Chorale), Conductor (San Gabriel Valley Choral Company), Composer, Instructor 

Friday, March 25, 2016

The Georgia Straight: Anthony Davis Composes Opera About the Central Park Five, African American Youths Wrongly Convicted of Attacking a White NYC Jogger


Anthony Davis


Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Composer and pianist Anthony Davis talks Trump and musical tension

Pianist Mark Boozer: "In Memoriam: Pia Sebastiani" & "In Celebration: the Centennial of Alberto Ginastera" Sunday, April 3, 2016, 5 p.m., Morehouse College

Mark Boozer

Mark Boozer, Pianist, in Recital

Pianist Mark Boozer will present In Memoriam: Pia 
Sebastiani (February 27, 1925-July 26, 2015) and 
In Celebration: the Centennial of Alberto Ginastera 
(April 11, 1916 – June 25, 1983), on Sunday, April 
3, 2016, 5 p.m. at the Ray Charles Performing Arts 
Center, 900 West End Avenue, Atlanta, Georgia, on
the campus of Morehouse College. The program will 
feature works by Scarlatti, Liszt, Still, Ravel, and 
Ginastera. Admission is free and open to the public.

About the Recital
Mr. Boozer’s recital, which commemorates the 
centennial of Argentinian composer Alberto 
Ginastera, is both dedicated to the memory of Pia 
Sebastiani and performed in honor of her life’s work. 
As a native of Argentina and recognized as one of 
the most outstanding artistic personalities of 
Argentina and South America, Pia Sebastiani was an 
effective champion of Ginastera’s music. Mr. Boozer 
counts Ms. Sebastiani as one of his most profound 
musical influences and this performance is rooted in 
his conviction that we must honor those upon whose 
shoulders we stand.

Born and initially trained in Buenos Aires, Ms. 
Sebastiani went on to a multifaceted, international 
career. Perhaps best known as a concert pianist, she 
performed throughout the world in venues like 
Carnegie Hall in NewYork, Wigmore Hall in London, 
and Salle Pleyel in Paris, and under the batons of 
many of the world’s great conductors. As a composer, 
she studied with Olivier Messiaen and Darius Milhaud, 
among others, and received acclaim as a composer 
early in her career. In the 1960s, Ms. Sebastiani 
served as Argentina’s cultural ambassador to Belgium. 

As a pedagogue, her influence was far-reaching, having 
served on the artist faculty of Ball State University in 
Indiana (where Professor Boozer met her) for nearly
twenty-five years, with a roster of students from across 
the U. S. and many other countries; and upon retiring 
in the early 1990s, having assumed directorship of the 
Beethoven Conservatory (which was founded by her 
father) in her native Buenos Aires. Included among her 
former students are teachers, award winning pianists, 
performers in multiple music idioms, university 
professors and administrators, composers, and 
conductors spanning the globe.