Music Without Borders Concert
John Malveaux of
writes:
Music
event programming by the Long Beach Central Area
Association dramatically changed after the formation of MusicUNTOLD as
event
production arm of LBCAA in 2007. The previous focus was presenting
so-called "Black Music" representing wholesome family entertainment with
audience drawing
power. Memorable performances included Kool & The Gang, Shirley
Caesar, Andre Crouch, Deniece Williams, Evelyn “Champagne” King, Dazz Band,
Rose Royce, Ronnie Laws, Lakeside, Low Riders(original War), and Thelma Houston.
By
contrast, MusicUNTOLD committed to edu-tain through
lecture/talk and performances with non-exclusive focus on neglected
achievements and contributions by composers of African descent in
classical
music and opera.
Here are a few early examples. “Singing
Her Song: The Story of Hope Foye” was created by Union Bank as the sixth in a
series of compact discs honoring distinguished African Americans. MusicUNTOLD partnered
with Union Bank Renaissance Branch and Union Bank corporate to present a live
conversation and performance by soprano Hope Foye in honor of Women’s History
Month 2008. Hope Foye was a classically trained soprano, activist and protégé
of Paul Robeson when her passport was taken during the McCarthy era because she
participated in a competition in East Germany. After a successful ten year
career in Mexico, Hope lived and worked in Europe for fourteen more years
before returning to the United States in the late 1970’s. At 86, Hope was still
a remarkable talent with an inspirational spirit. MusicUNTOLD also presented
performances of soprano Hope Foye at the California African American Museum in
Los Angeles and Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. “Beyond the incredible life of Hope
Foye, her performance of “Angelitos Negros”(Black Angels) can never be
forgotten”.
In June 2008, with the help of a grant from the Arts Council
for Long Beach, MusicUNTOLD produced “Music Without Borders” concert at the
Long Beach Museum of Latin American Art. The free concert featured chamber and
vocal music of Carlos Chavez and William Grant Still performed by the Original
Angeles Players(string quartet), Amber Mercomes(soprano), and Evangeline
Seward(Piano). “The concert was an opportunity to heighten awareness of
neglected significant contributors to the world of classical music and bring
different cultures together”.
See pic1 Hope Foye, pic2 Music Without Borders
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