William Grant Still (1895-1978)
Dr. Artina McCain
University of Mississippi News
February 15, 2019
By Lynn Wilkins
OXFORD, Miss. – William Grant Still is known around the world for his
significant contributions not only to African-American music, but to
the American classical music cannon.
“The American South is blessed with rich African-American musical
traditions, and though we immediately think of jazz and blues, we can
also think of classical music,” said George Worlasi Kwasi Dor, professor
of ethnomusicology at the University of Mississippi.
A concert celebrating Still, a native Mississippian, is set for 7:30
p.m. Tuesday (Feb. 19) in Nutt Auditorium. Free and open to the public,
the concert is part of the university’s celebration of Black History
Month.
The concert program, which focuses on Still’s instrumental music,
features guest pianist Artina McCain, a performer and professor at the
University of Memphis. The UM Symphonic Band, Fraternity String Quartet,
UM Steel Orchestra, Ole Miss African Drum and Dance Ensemble, and
faculty and student soloists also will perform.
Adrienne Park, UM instructor in music, will perform on piano as both a soloist and accompanist.
“In addition to presenting ‘Summerland’ as a solo piece, I’m looking
forward to performing ‘Romance’ for saxophone and piano with Christopher
Scott, and three arrangements of songs for trumpet and piano with
Terrell McGowan entitled ‘Bayou Home,’ ‘If You Should Go’ and ‘Song for
the Lonely,'” Park said. “It has been an invigorating
experience working with these two dedicated individuals in preparation
for this important event in our department.”
Although he drew from global influences, Still’s work is deeply
situated in the American South, in its ecology and in the experience and
culture of African-Americans.
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