Starkville-MSU Symphony Association celebrates MLK Jr. with 'Our America' concert Jan. 19

January 15, 2019

The Starkville-MSU Symphony Association is presenting its "Our America" concert Saturday [Jan. 19] at 7:30 p.m. in Lee Hall's Bettersworth Auditorium at Mississippi State University.

Admission is free and open to the public. The fourth installment in the Symphony’s landmark 50th season, the "Our America" program will feature a selection of new and historic works by American composers. It also will include a prelude to the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a performance of the historic "Afro-American Symphony," composed by Mississippi native William Grant Still.

The work was the first symphony composed by an African American to be performed by a major orchestra. It was premiered in 1931 by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Born in Woodville, Still holds a historic place in American music as the first African American to conduct a major orchestra, and the first to have an opera performed by a major company.

“We’re delighted to include this important work in the 'Our America' concert,” said Ryan Ross, Starkville-MSU Symphony concert manager. “Still’s work offers a stunning example of what’s possible when elements of African American and European Classical music traditions are combined.”

“One of the Starkville-MSU Symphony Association’s goals is to present historically relevant works like this in the context of our own diverse community,” said Haley Montgomery, SMSA vice president. “The inclusion of this symphony is a great way for us to honor the legacy of African-American musicians and celebrate their important place in the fabric of classical music.”