John Malveaux: There is NO violinist of African descent presented at the Hollywood Bowl, Walt Disney Concert Hall or any other prestigious venue in the U.S.

Sanford Allen

Annelle Kazumi Gregory

John Malveaux of MusicUNTOLD.com writes:

MusicUNTOLD

My earliest recollection (about 1948) of attending music events as a child in Beaumont, Texas was zydeco dances presented at Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church. The Zydeco bands included violin players and I had several great uncles who played the violin. In 2019, I attended the Hollywood Bowl to see violinist Ray Chen and thought about violinists of African descent. 

See https://africlassical.blogspot.com/2019/08/john-malveaux-la-phil-at-hollywood-bowl.html. I also recall   https://www.sharmusic.com/Sheet-Music/Violin/w-47-Piano/Music-By-Black-Composers-Violin-Volume-1---Arranged-by-Rachel-Barton-Pine.axd

I am blessed to have organized past music performances that included young violinist Annelle Kazumi Gregory and violinist Sanford Allen. I do not know if Sanford Allen is still alive. See https://africlassical.blogspot.com/2012/04/john-malveaux-sanford-allen-has.html. I question why currently there is NO violinist of African descent presented at the Hollywood Bowl, Walt Disney Concert Hall or any other prestigious venue in the United States.

If you are unaware or have not seen/heard violinist Sanford Allen, please see/hear 2012 Los Angeles solo performance (3 movements) sponsored by KUSC Classical Radio and MusicUNTOLD. 

https://youtu.be/iFtwtIom7Zk

https://youtu.be/najvzYykCwc

https://youtu.be/0be4SlLiyWQ

See photo 1 Sanford Allen, photo 2 Annelle Kazumi Gregory