Friday, March 4, 2016

John Malveaux: MusicUNTOLD challenges classical music and opera fans to report radio broadcasts of CDs & interviews by composers of African descent

Joseph de Bologne, the Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745-1799), was one of the most remarkable figures of the 18th century.  He is featured at AfriClassical.com.  

Incredibly, this son of a slave rose to the top of French society through his mastery of fencing and his genius for classical music! His dual career is illustrated in the above portrait. He is dressed for a concert but holds a sword in place of a conductor's baton.  The painting was done in London in 1787 by the American artist Mather Brown.

John Malveaux of 
writes:

MusicUNTOLD submit a challenge to classical music and opera devotees everywhere to report radio programming of CD recordings and interviews by composers of African descent in their respective markets to info@musicuntold.com. A definitive picture of national and international programming is needed to recognize and promote diversity in classical music and opera and vice versa.

During the first three days of 2016 African American heritage month (February), KUSC classical radio in Los Angeles programmed two compositions by composers of African descent. One (1) composition (Solace-Scott Joplin) was programmed by morning host Dennis Bartel on February 1 and one (1) composition (African Suite-Danse Negre-Samuel Coleridge-Taylor) again by Dennis Bartel on February 2 and nothing was programmed on KUSC Radio during the 24 hours of February 3, 2016. Bill Lueth is program director at KUSC radio in Los Angeles.

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