Reflector.com: Pitt Community College Symphony Orchestra is presenting works of one black composer that history has often ignored. [Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges]

Arion 68093

The following article tells of a concert at Pitt Community College in Greenville,  North Carolina:

Reflector

By Kim Grizzard

Sunday, February 18, 2018 

During Black History Month, the Pitt Community College Symphony Orchestra is presenting works of one black composer that history has often ignored.

At its third Black Composers Concert, the orchestra will perform works by Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, who is sometimes referred to as the “Black Mozart.”

Born in 1745 in Guadeloupe to a French nobleman and an African slave, the virtuoso violinist is considered to be first classical composer of African ancestry. Still, his music was often overlooked for nearly two centuries after his death.

“The Saint-Georges (works) will be music that probably no one has heard before,” PCC Symphony Orchestra Conductor Michael Stephenson said. “I find his life terribly interesting, and I think the audience will as well, once they learn more about him.”

Educated in France, Saint-Georges became accomplished in fencing, in addition to music. He also served as a colonel in the French Revolution.

“There are stories that Mozart heard his music and very well could have been influenced by his music,” Stephenson said. “The music does sound quite a bit like Mozart.”

Classical compositions are only part of the concert, which will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at Koinonia Christian Center Church. The event also will feature works of Duke Ellington and Scott Joplin, as well as spiritual and gospel selections.