Friday, August 31, 2018

Dr. Quinton Morris: Key To Change: We've got big plans this Fall, and you're invited!

Join us at our annual Open House to learn more about violin and viola lessons, scholarship opportunities, and professional development with Key to Change. Plus, get to know our board members and our Executive Director, Dr. Quinton Morris. This event is free and open to the public.

Click here to learn more!

Tuesday, September 4, 7 pm
Luther's Table, Renton, WA


Dr. Quinton Morris with student

Eric Conway: Morgan Choir is featured in NPR segment of "Lift Every Voice and Sing"

Morgan State University Choir

Eric Conway writes:

Hello all,

Last April, I was approached by a reporter from National Public Radio (NPR) who told me that they were going to present a segment on the anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing.”  They had heard the anthem was one of the Morgan State University choir's signature pieces that opened up virtually all of our concerts.  They came to our last performance of the season on April 22, 2018, at Oxford Presbyterian in Philadelphia to tape our performance to be heard in their future broadcast.

On August 16, 2018, the segment finally aired on their Morning Edition program.  See below links to the seven minute soundfile of the broadcast as well as an online article which gives great historical context about our Negro national anthem.  Do not ignore the many links in the NPR article with great and historic performances of this anthem over the years.

EC

Link to NPR article
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit. - Aristotle
************************************
Eric Conway, D.M.A.
Fine and Performing Arts Department, Chair
Morgan State University

Eric Conway: Morgan State U. choir sang alongside Aretha Franklin – The Spokesman


Aretha Franklin

Eric Conway writes:

Hello everyone, 

On the day when Aretha Franklin will be celebrated during her homegoing service in Detroit, the Morgan newspaper The Spokesman has posted an article reflecting the times when members of the Morgan State University choir sang with her in performance. See link below to the Morgan newspaper article:

Thursday, August 30, 2018

Sinfo-Nia Youth Orchestra: Free Class at 9/8/18 Open House

Join Sinfo-Nia Youth Orchestra for Open House Tribute to Aretha Franklin!

String students of all ages and expertise are invited to join us for a free class to enjoy reading and playing a few classics of Aretha Franklin, our dearly departed Queen of Soul. This will be our first of many tributes to her legacy during this 2018-19 School Year Session.  Enjoy a great morning of fun music, door prizes and refreshments.  Remember to bring your instrument to participate. 
***Don't miss out on Early Bird Tuition Discount.   
Deadline is Saturday, October 6, 2018* **

For more information: www.sinfo-nia.com, info@sinfo-nia.com, 404.328.0840

David E. Robinson III writes:
Greetings Musicians and Guests,

Please come out to this exciting Aretha Franklin Tribute at Sinfo-Nia Youth Orchestra's "Open House - Free Class" on Saturday, September 8, 2018, 9 AM to 12 Noon at the First Congregational Church Commons located at 125 Ellis St., Atlanta, GA 30303.  Bring your instruments.  All music is written for strings.  However, if any wind players would like to come, please let me know three days in advance so that I can create your part.  Please forward this to string orchestra teachers that you know so that they can forward it to their students.  

Sincerely,
David E. Robinson III

Sergio Mims: Carnegie Hall: Audra McDonald in Opening Night Gala Wednesday, Oct. 3, 7 PM

Audra McDonald
(Allison Michael)

Sergio A. Mims forwards this release:

Carnegie Hall Presents

This is a Carnegie Hall Opening Night you will never forget. A pair of vocal superstars—Renée Fleming and Audra McDonald—join Perspectives artist Michael Tilson Thomas and the San Francisco Symphony for an evening of favorites from opera and music theater. To add to the festive occasion, there's exhilarating orchestral music by Gershwin and Liszt's whirling waltz. 

Lee Koonce: University of Rochester News: Dr. Paul Burgett Has Died at Age 72

Dr. Paul Burgett

Lee Koonce of Gateways Music Festival writes:

Bill, unsure if you’ve heard of this tragic news. In addition to being the most extraordinary board chairman of the Gateways Music Festival, Paul was a noted authority on the music of people of African descent.

Best wishes, 

Lee

University of Rochester News

Paul Burgett ’68E, ’76E (PhD), a musician, scholar, teacher, and University leader for more than half a century, is being remembered for his longstanding commitment to the University community. University flags are lowered today in memory of Burgett, who died Thursday at age 72. The community is invited to share condolences or other messages on a memorial website. 

Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Chicago Sinfonietta: Images of Diversity: Sat., Sept. 22, 8 PM Naperville & Mon. Sept. 24, 7:30 PM Chicago

DISCOUNTED PRICING FOR "PRELUDE" ENDS
THIS FRIDAY!


Secure VIP seats for ID: Images of Diversity and join us for the event for 
$95 $85
($112 value).


"Prelude" Only Tickets $50 $40


A QUEST TO UNCOVER THE TAPESTRY OF AMERICA
September 22, 2018  8:00 PM
Wentz Concert Hall

September 24, 2018 7:30 PM
Symphony Center

 


What does it mean to "be American?" Join us as we explore the stories of the communities that make up the fabric of our society. Come and embark on this epic journey into identity and the evolving American Dream. 
CONDUCTOR
Mei-Ann Chen
PROGRAM
Verdi
 Overture to Nabucco
Copland Variations on a Shaker Melody
Márquez Danzón No. 2
Johnson Drums for Orchestra
Boyer Ellis Island: The Dream of America**
** Chicago premiere






Sergio Mims: George Walker tribute WHPK-FM Chicago Tuesday Sept. 4

George Walker (1922-2018)

Sergio A. Mims writes:

Most of my classical music radio show on WHPK-FM next Tuesday Sept 4 will be devoted to the works and legacy of composer and teacher George Walker who passed away last week

The works that will be heard on the program will be (in order) 

Sinfonia No. 3 (2003)  

Piano Sonata No. 1 (1953)

Lilacs for Voice and Orchestra (1996)

Cello Concerto (1981)

Lyric for String Orchestra (1946)

Sinfonia No. 4   (2012)

Piano sonata No.4 (1985)

Concerto for Violin (1988)

As always my show can be heard locally in the Chicago area from 12-3 PM Central time on 88.5 FM and worldwide livestream at whpk - home

Sergio

Mickey Thomas Terry: Recollections of George Walker

George Walker (1922-2018)

Mickey Thomas Terry

Mickey Thomas Terry writes:

I had a 25-year friendship with George Walker.  I am still recovering from the news of his passing. I spoke with George Walker for the last time about five weeks ago.  Toward the end of the conversation, I remember him saying repeatedly: "I want people to play my music, I want people to play my music, I want people to play my music."  Those words have resonated in my mind several times since hearing the news.  
He was a brilliant man, imbued with culture and the epitome of dignity. He surprised me once by appearing at one of my New York recitals (St. Thomas Church on 5th Avenue) and was seated directly beside Noel Da Costa...WOW! What an honor to have these musical giants to take the time out of their busy schedules to hear me.
A particular fond memory dates to the day when he won the Pulitzer Prize.  I remember that day particularly well, because he called me on the very evening that he received news of the award. Interestingly enough, Dr. Walker was only informed when reporters from the New York Times knocked on his door in order to receive his reaction.
Not long after meeting him, Dr. Walker asked me to record his "Three Pieces for Organ," which appears on the Albany Record label.  Later, he dedicated an organ composition to me, "Spires," which he wrote especially for me. It is one of the most difficult pieces that I have ever played. It was classic George Walker.  I premiered it at the 1998 American Guild of Organists National Convention in Denver. He and his son Gregory were in the audience for both performances. Later, I recorded it for American Public Radio.  It was while i was in Denver for the convention that Dr. Walker came to my hotel in order for me to interview him.  This interview became the basis of an article that was ultimately published in "The Musical Quarterly."  He was particularly pleased with the interview, as was I.
I could go on all day with my personal recollections of George Walker. He was a musical giant and an immense inspiration to me and so many others...a great American composer. I thank God for the opportunity to meet him and to call him a friend. I will never forget him. May his music live forever!
Requiescat in pace,
Mickey Thomas Terry


Tuesday, August 28, 2018

John Malveaux: L.A. Tribute to Aretha Franklin by Deniece Williams & HB Barnum 1-7 PM, Sept. 2

Deniece Williams

HB Barnum
(Getty Images/Unique Nicole)

John Malveaux of 
writes:

Friday August 31. 2018 Aretha Franklin funeral livestreamed & broadcast in Detroit.
September 2, 2018 Los Angeles tribute to Aretha Franklin by songstress Deniece Williams, and HB Barnum (Aretha's music director) during END of SUMMER Music Cultural Celebration, 1:00 to 7:00 PM-Exposition Park-Christmas Tree Lane, 700 Exposition Park Dr. Experience a day of FREE family fun filled with music, food, and other vendors presented by State Assembly member Reggie Jones-Sawyer Sr.

Coro Allegro of Boston commissions St. Louis composer for new epic work, March 24, 2019

 
composed by Fred Onovwerosuoke
commissioned by Coro Allegro of Boston, MA

Tai Oney
counter-tenor

Jonas Budris
tenor

Fred Onovwerosuoke
composer


Coro Allegro of Boston

August 27, 2018

AMERICA, WE NEED TO TALK
Sunday, March 24, 2019 3pm • Sanders Theatre,
Cambridge, MA
FRED ONOVWEROSUOKE:
A Triptych of American Voices: A Cantata of the People
A kaleidoscopic world premiere by an immigrant composer that shines light on America through the prisms of three great poems: Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," Langston Hughes' "As I Grew Older,” and Michael Castro's "We Need to Talk.” Also on the program is a reprise of the composer's "Caprice for Piano & Orchestra"

Tai Oney, countertenor
Jonas Budris, tenor

Darryl Hollister, piano
Coro Allegro and the Coro Allegro Chamber Orchestra,
David Hodgkins, conductor & artistic director
Visit http://www.fredomusic.com for composer Onovwerosuoke's profile and works.
Visit http://www.coroallegro.org for contact and other Coro Allegro info.
Visit http://www.countertenorcorner.com/tai-oney.html for counter-tenor Tai Oney's profile.
Visit http://jonasbudris.com for tenor Jonas Budris profile. 

A Triptych of American Voices: A Cantata of the People, a new work by St. Louis composer, Fred Onovwerosuoke, is a kaleidoscope on prevailing themes of American political discourse, from the purview of an immigrant composer. It's a musical narrative told from the prisms of 3 great poems - Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," Langston Hughes' "As I Grew Older," and Michael Castro's "We Need to Talk." The musical lingua is deliberately diverse, drawing from a variety of cultural influences. Imagery abound - of Native American pow-wows, early African American holler songs, and ancient chants echoed from Appalachian mountains - all woven on a sonic tapestry that is immediately American, but in a broad perspective, universal. The 30-minute work, scored for mixed chorus, counter-tenor and tenor soloists, and orchestra, was commissioned by Coro Allegro of Boston, MA. World premiere concert scheduled for March 24, 2019, 3PM at the Sanders Theatre in Cambridge, MA.

Monday, August 27, 2018

Fred Onovwerosuoke: Celebrating George Walker's Music and Life

 
George Walker (1922-2018)

Dr. Fred Onovwerosuoke

Dr. Fred Onovwerosuoke writes of the passing of George Walker:

Hello folks!

My little input is that George's passing should be no time for us to gripe openly about the lack of play for black composers. Orchestras and other ensembles of art/serious music must pay their overheads and thus often subsist to serve their patrons, whose musical pallets are at best often narrow or limited. Bias for particular/'favorite' composers is nothing new, and not necessarily hinged on race or ethnicity, but often on assuaging the fiscal bottomline. For example, but for Felix Mendelssohn's selfless revivalist efforts, the great J. S. Bach that we revere today would have been only a footnote of music history. Ditto, Igor Stravinsky, whose composing career would have struggled, had he not the operational muscle and financial backing of the Sergei Diaghilev, and on and on... 

Black and other financially endowed philanthropists need to be courted, and, if need be, enlightened about the all-important necessity of supporting the works of black or African descent composers. While there's no verifiable account of Chevalier de Saint-Georges (Joseph Boulogne, 1745-99) complaining about lack of wide play of his music, don't we all wish that some philanthropist (s) extended robust support for the fledgling effort of our young, hard-working Maestro Marlon Daniel to revive the name and works of this contemporary of Mozart! 

Flutist/composer Valerie Coleman's entrepreneurial spirit continues to drive and sustain her works. As the African Musical Arts and African Music Publishers have offered some leverage and visibility to my works and others', and along the way attracted some significant commissions for new works. 

George lived a great life, and I'd rather we all expend our creative energies to celebrate that wonderful life. As our concert series here in St. Louis dedicated much of 2016/17 events to the memory of the late Dominique de Lerma (1928-2015), and 2017/18 to the great Halim El-Dabh (1921-2017), so will be dedicating our 2018/19 season to the life and memory of Maestro George Walker. 

Folks, we live at the precipice of a different kind of Golden Rule - some would surmise, a pseudo-realm where those who control the gold rule. It's a cultural universe where practitioners - artists, presenters, educators, students, etc. - must not only wait for saviors, but wax even more creative knocking at the door of canon. Now, more than ever, black and other ethnic minority composers of classical music can use committed benefactors, philanthropists, and, yes, cultural entrepreneurs...


FredO

John Malveaux: George Walker Memorial Broadcast

George Walker (1922-2018)

Jim Svedja

John Malveaux of 
writes:

Pianist, educator, and Pulitzer Prize composer George Walker was interviewed two (2) times by KUSC Classical Radio 91.5 FM host Jim Svedja. The first part of the two-part memorial broadcast will be aired Sunday (9/2/18) at 10:00 PM PST on the Record Shelf.  Part II will be heard the following week, 9/9/18 at 10:00 PM PST on the Record Shelf.

Comment by email:
And I will be playing some works by Walker on my radio show next Tuesday.  Sergio  [Sergio A. Mims]

AaronAsk: Weekly mentoring for a creative life: A Grand Dilemma! (3:15)


Aaron P. Dworkin writes:

Greetings and welcome to this week's episode of AaronAsk, your weekly mentoring session to live a fulfilling creative life!  This week's episode is titled, A Grand Dilemma!  Enjoy, we wish you a creative day and see you for next week's session!

Comment by email:
Thanks for sharing!  Aaron  [Aaron P. Dworkin]

Sunday, August 26, 2018

The passing of The Dean Of African American Composers-A Remembrance by Bill Doggett

With Guest Artist, U. of Michigan Music Professor and Bass Baritone, Daniel Washington and Colours of Music Founder, Lee Pringle

George Walker meets renowned Choral Director, Arranger, Roland Carter

George Walker and Roland Carter

With Colours of Music Festival VIP donors

George Walker meets U. of Michigan's Daniel Washington with Lee Pringle, Colours of Music Founder looking on

GEORGE WALKER'S FIRST NEW YORK RECITAL  1946, from the Archive of Bill Doggett Productions given as GIFT to George Walker on his 95th birthday

Bill Doggett writes:

Dear Friends:

It is with sadness that I share the News of the passing of our friend, George Walker, the Dean of African American Composers on Thursday, August 23rd at his home in Montclair, New Jersey at age 96.
.
NPR did a very nice piece on him here

George and I met in October 2013 at the inaugural Festival of The Colours of Music in Charleston, North Carolina.

Since then we became friends and corresponded regarding opportunities for his music to be performed by The Los Angeles Philharmonic and other leading orchestras.   For his 95th birthday, I gifted him a Town Hall program from 1946 that had a large display ad announcing his Premiere recital as a Classical pianist.  I will never forget his astonishment at my gift [image above]

Rest in Peace, beloved Dean of African American Composers

The photos above were taken by me at the October 2013 Colours of Music Festival.  Photo Credit: Bill Doggett/Bill Doggett Productions 

Althea Waites says George Walker's "music was not heard and performed extensively"

NPR.org: Composer George Walker takes a bow at a performance of his Pulitzer winning piece, Lilacs, in California in 1996.
Luis Sinco/LA Times/Getty Images

Althea Waites

Althea Waites writes:


I was terribly saddened to hear that George Walker, one of the brilliant composers of my generation, has passed away, and despite the fact that he was close to 100 years old and had many first achievements in his list of credits, his music was not heard and performed extensively during his lifetime. One would think that a Pulitzer Prize would be more than enough for him to be recognized as a pre-eminent composer and pianist, but I must admit that he was probably filed away and neglected because he was African-American.
Unfortunately, this is a very distressing commentary regarding the current state of affairs with black composers, except that we can hear their music for special tributes during Black History/ Heritage month, or when a critic decides to write an occasional piece about their contributions.

Hale Smith, another outstanding composer from my generation who passed away recently, wrote an excellent essay entitled “Here I Stand” in which he made a strong and compelling case for mainstreaming the music of African-American composers with the works of Bach, Stravinsky, Brahms and anyone else in the Western canon.

He also said that race and national origin should not necessarily be included as points for identification…in other words, let the music speak and express the composer’s art, and let the listener/audience form their own impressions about what they hear.

Finally, I must say that after 60 + years of performing and teaching, I continue to play music that resonates with me, regardless of who wrote it, and I perform the music of African-American composers because they deserve more recognition, nevertheless, I agree with Hale Smith’s premise that their music must be mainstreamed on concerts and classical radio stations throughout the world. It must stand on its own merit and not because it happens to have been written by an African-American composer. This is probably the best way to bring an end to years of neglect and musical racism.

Althea Waites 
Keyboard Faculty/ Steinway Artist
Cole Conservatory@California State University/ Long Beach

Comment by email:
Dear Bill,

Thank you so much for posting my comment….I really appreciate your work!

Best wishes and kind regards,


Althea [Althea Waites]

Saturday, August 25, 2018

John Malveaux: Annelle Gregory performs at "End of Summer" Sept. 2 & on YouTube in Ukraine

Annelle Gregory

John Malveaux of 
writes:

Young virtuoso violinist Annelle Gregory will perform three pieces by African American composer William Grant Still during inaugural END of SUMMER Music Cultural Celebration presented Sunday Sept 2, 2018, 12:00 noon-7:00 PM by 59th district state assemblymember Reggie Jones Sawyer Sr. at Exposition Park-Christmas Tree Lane, Los Angeles featuring Grammy winners Deniece Williams and Poncho Sanchez and others.

See Annelle Gregory performing music by Russian composer Rimsky-Korsakov, April 12, 2018 in Kiev, Ukraine with Kiev Virtuosi Symphony Orchestra https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETtEQp3r28c&feature=youtu.be

Sergio Mims: Interview with baritone Michael Preacely on WHPK-FM Tuesday Aug. 28

Michael Preaceley

Sergio A. Mims writes:

On my classical music radio show Tuesday Aug. 28 I will broadcast an interview I did last week with the exciting up and coming baritone Michael Preacely who recently appeared this summer at Ravinia in Leonard Bernstein's Mass with the CSO with Marin Alsop conducting.

American baritone Michael Preacely is a rising star on the operatic stage and is also known for a versatile singing ability and style that allow him to cross between genres from classical repertoire to pop, contemporary, and Broadway. He has received critical acclaim for many of his performances, including Phantom in Phantom of the Opera, Scarpia in Tosca, Ford in Falstaff, Marcello in La Boheme, the High Priest in Samson and Delilah, and Porgy and Jake in Porgy and Bess. Mr. Preacely has performed with many major and regional opera houses and orchestras in the United States and abroad. 

Also on the show will be Mendelssohn's Symphony No.3 (Scottish) and Erich Wolfgang Korngold's opera Violanta. The show can be heard on WHPK-FM Chicago Tuesdays 12-3PM Central Time on 88.5FM locally and live stream worldwide on www.whpk.org

Sergio