Jordan Daniels
John Malveaux of
writes:
November
13, 2016 Georgia Laster Branch of The National Association of Negro Musicians,
Inc (founded 1919) presented their 47th Memorial Concert that
included tributes to past branch presidents at St. Bernadette Catholic Church,
Los Angeles, Ca. The hallmark and commonality
of past presidents is advanced education, teaching, and unyielding energy.
Dr.
Hansonia Caldwell directed the Congregational Hymn For All The Saints with
Judith Baity at the Organ. Outstanding solo vocal performances included Caro
nome from Rigoletto by Lyric-Spinto Soprano Gertrude Bradley, Orange Colored
Sky by Jazz vocalist Sylvia Boyd, There Is No Death by Soprano Henrietta
Fortson. Judith Baity, Dr. James Calhoun, and Byron Smith were piano
accompanist.
Solo
organ music by Judith Baity and Dr. James Calhoun contributed to the solemn occasion.
Classical pianist (1st place winner of GLB scholarship competition
2011) Jordan Daniels captured full attention with delicate performances of
Prelude Op. 11, No 11 & 15 by A. Scriabin and Sonata in D Minor, K. 1 by D
Scarlatti.
(Don
Lee White) Dlw Chorale lifted the audience from two different standing
locations with In The Beauty of Holiness and At The Name of Jesus.
Throughout
this touching memorial, I was haunted with the question of survival for GLB
despite their great accomplishments over the years. New strategies to attract
young membership and continue the work is mandatory for the continuation of GLB.
Additionally,
the existing audience for Negro spirituals and classical music is small and
diminishing. The fewer than eight principal presenting organizations do not appear
to coordinate and enthusiastically support each other for the survival of all.
I am reminded William Grant Still frequently signed new composition with the statement "Together We Rise or Not At All"
Living
legend Dr. Albert Mc Neil was present for the first half of the GLB memorial
program. Before he left, I spoke to him about January 21, 2012, UCLA Royce Hall
when the Albert Mc Neil Jubliee Singers performed with Kathleen Battle “Spirituals from the
Underground Railroad”. Dr. Mc Neil mentioned that the same program was being
performed this exact evening at the Metropolitan Opera with a different choir. Kathleen
Battle was returning to the Met after 20 years away. Dr. McNeil is retired and current
emeritus conductor of Albert McNeil Jubilee Singers.
See pic of classical pianist Jordan Daniels after his performance.
John Malveaux
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