Thursday, June 7, 2018

AACI: "The Gift of Song" by Valerie Capers on YouTube Video (9:37)


African American Composer Initiative

The Gift of Song by Valerie Capers was performed by the Company on Saturday, January 27, and Sunday, January 28, 2018 during the concert “Out of the Blues -- The Gift of Song“ which took place at the Eastside College Preparatory School, Performing Arts Center in East Palo Alto, California, USA. The concert included music by: Regina Baiocchi, Charles Brown, Harry Burleigh, Dr. Valerie Capers, Roland Hayes, Hall Johnson, Charles Lloyd, Jr., Thelonious Monk, Andre Myers, Florence B. Price, John Robinson III, Robert Henry, William Grant Still, Billy Strayhorn, John Worley, Richard Wagner, and Roxanna Wright. The concert was performed by: Pianist: Josephine Gandolfi (Picasso Ensemble), Valerie Capers, Soprano: Yolanda Rhodes, Roxanna Wright, Tenor: Othello Jefferson, Vocalist/Pianist: LaDoris Cordell, Deanne Tucker, Violinist: Susan C. Brown (Picasso Ensemble), Cellist: Victoria Ehrlich (Picasso Ensemble), Bassist: John H. Robinson III, Percussion: Jim Kassis, Trombone: John Monroe, Trumpet: John Worley, Clarinetist: Carol A. Somersille, Saxophone: Oscar Pangilinan, Bassoon: Douglas Brown, Flute: Stephanie McNab, Eastside Choir: Jansen Verplank, Director The African American Composer Initiative grew out of benefit concerts for Eastside Preparatory School in East Palo Alto, California. Directed by Dr. Josephine Gandolfi, we have presented many previously composed and as well as newly commissioned classical and jazz works for piano, vocals, and chamber ensembles. These performances are highlighted here. More information may be found at www.aacinitiative.org.

Comment by email:

Dear Bill, 
LaDoris forwarded to me the notice of your posting our you-tube video of Capers' new arrangement of "The Gift of Song." As you can imagine, AACI had a marvelous time preparing and performing the piece. Thank you so much for sharing this music, along with information about our January concerts, with your readership! I appreciate the great service you do - sharing music and information - through your website and blog. 
With thanks and all best wishes,
Josephine (Jodi) Gandolfi

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