Florida Times-Union: Adolphus Hailstork's 'The Gift of the Magi' is 'choral ballet,' Tells O. Henry Short Story Dec. 4, 3 PM

[Adolphus C. Hailstork]

Adolphus C. Hailstork (b. 1941) is featured at AfriClassical.com and is one of the most successful African American composers writing today. His composition The Gift of the Magi enables an unconventional ensemble to retell the heart-warming Christmas story by the legendary writer of short stories, O. Henry:

Florida Times-Union

“Sun, Dec 4, 2011 at 3 p.m.

The Gift of the Magi

Choral Ballet for Orchestra

Michael Butterman, conductor

Dancers from Jacksonville University

Fleming Island High School Women's Chorale Capture the holiday spirit with O. Henry's beloved short story, as a 'choral ballet' with dancers, orchestra and youth chorus.”

The Gift of the Magi was premiered in 2009 with 22 members of the Virginia Symphony Orchestra led by JoAnn Falletta, conductor. Teresa Annas wrote about the composition's creation and premiere in The Virginian-Pilot:

By Teresa Annas

The Virginian-Pilot

© December 11, 2009

“Perhaps a decade ago, a friend gave Carol Thomas Downing a book, O. Henry's 'The Gift of the Magi.' The story of a poor young couple sacrificing to buy each other a Christmas present moved her. Every year she rereads it. 'I was sitting there one Christmas looking through this book, and suddenly the whole vision descended into my brain," said Downing, founder and artistic director of the Virginia Children's Chorus. It was one of those moments where I could just see the story expressed through dance and through a children's choir singing with chamber orchestra.'"

“The 24-minute piece was composed by Adolphus Hailstork of Virginia Beach, who has top national credits and whose work she loves. Downing's group commissioned Hailstork, and at the composer's suggestion she wrote the lyrics.”

“JoAnn Falletta, Virginia Symphony's music director...emphasized the importance of presenting new music by Hailstork. 'Sometimes we take Adolphus for granted. He's a neighbor. But this is a very big deal for us. He's the real deal. He's a very famous and extraordinarily gifted composer." Falletta stressed that it's been an effective collaboration, resulting in an unusual form. 'The story is acted out, partly through dance and partly through singing. No one tells the story from beginning to end, and yet the story is very clear.'

“The composition includes a suite of four songs. As he wrote, Hailstork referred to a storyboard provided by Rosenlieb and Downing. To get the sound he wanted, Hailstork blended romantic instruments, such as harp and strings, with 'antique' ones, including double reeds and flutes. 'One of my favorite moments is the embrace,' Hailstork said. That's when Jim first sees that Della has cut off her gorgeous long hair, having sold it to buy a watch fob for him. Meanwhile, he has sold his watch to buy jeweled hair combs for her. 'He pauses, walks around her, “What's going on here?” She's kinda scared about his reaction. Then he relaxes and embraces her. I love that.'"

“Hailstork is an unpretentious interviewee. Regarding his own music, he said, 'You gotta like pretty tunes. If you like pretty tunes, you'll like it.' He said writing music to lyrics comes easily to him. 'As soon as I read the words, I hear the melody. That is just a habit. I won't say a gift. I'll just say a habit.'"

Adolphus Hailstork Discusses His Opera 'Joshua's Boots' With Audience Nov. 18, 7 PM, St. Louis

[Adolphus C. Hailstork and Joshua's Boots]

StLouisOnTheCheap.com

“Discount: Save $2 On Tickets To Joshua's Boots At Touhill Performing Arts Center

Here’s a chance to see an opera for young people for a song. Opera Theatre of Saint Louis is offering tickets to the 7 p.m. Friday performance of Joshua's Boots at the Touhill Performing Arts Center for $10 (regular price is $12) when you use the promo code HERO. You can purchase tickets at the ticket office, by calling 314-516-4949 or online at touhill.org.

“Joshua’s Boots is billed as 'an opera to inspire the children in your life.' The opera 'celebrates the achievements of a young African-American cowboy facing prejudice and adversity in the 1870’s American West' and, according to an Opera Theatre press release, is suitable for children in the fourth grade and beyond. Joshua’s Boots will be performed by a cast of 21 students from the St. Louis area.

“Adolphus Hailstork, composer of Joshua’s Boots, and Allison Felter, director of education of Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, will hold a discussion with the audience prior to the performance.” “The Touhill is located at One University Boulevard on the University of Missouri St. Louis campus.”

SusanKander.net

Composer Susan Kander wrote the libretto for the opera Joshua's Boots; the music was composed by Adolphus C. Hailstork (b. 1941), who is featured at AfriClassical.com. Susan Kander's website presents program notes:

“Set in 1878, Joshua's Boots is based on extensive research into the real 'wild west,' specifically the recently 're-discovered' historical importance of Black Cowboys and the all-black Buffalo Soldiers in the opening up of the country. The opera is a real Western, complete with saloon singers and dancers, cowpokes and cowboy songs and life on the long, lonely and dangerous cattle drive. It was written for experienced high school or college age young people to perform alongside adult professionals and is scored for experienced youth orchestra players. It is aimed at middle school and high school audiences.

“Having witnessed his own Paw's lynching (for making harness better and cheaper than the white harness-maker,) Joshua flees Tennessee for Kansas, believed to be the new Promised Land by Reconstruction-era ex-slaves. Hopping a west-bound train, he lands in Dodge City, where he meets both cowboys and Buffalo Soldiers. Deciding he's not cut out for army life, and because horses and harness are what he knows and loves best, Joshua is determined to become a real live cowboy.

“He manages to land himself a job as a wrangler on a cattle drive. However, Frederick the Trail Boss is the son of an un-repentant confederate, and he makes life pretty miserable for Joshua until, during a stampede, Joshua saves the young man from being trampled. With the help of Cookie, the trail cook, Frederick learns that it's time to move on from the Civil War; that, especially as a boss, he himself must stand for something new. At the end of the line, back in Dodge City, Frederick rewards Joshua by hiring him full-time with the promise, come spring, of his own calves to be the start of his own herd. Joshua achieves his dream of becoming a real live cow-punchin', dust-chewin' cowboy and the opera ends, as all good westerns should, in general merriment at a good saloon.”

Orlando Sentinel: Orlando Phil, Negro Spiritual Master Singers & Adolphus Hailstork Honor Zora Neale Hurston

[Adolphus C. Hailstork; “The Negro Spiritual Master Singers” (Photo: Jacque Brund / February 13, 2010)]

Matthew J. Palm has written separate articles published in the Orlando Sentinel on the contributions of the Orlando Philharmonic, The Negro Spiritual Master Singers and composer Adolphus C. Hailstork (b. 1941), who is featured at AfriClassical.com, to the “American Voices” program Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011:

Orlando Philharmonic leads collaboration to present 'American Voices'

OrlandoSentinel.com

By Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel Entertainment Critic

November 10, 2011

“It's a night of American music, poetry and song — and it also embodies the spirit of collaboration and inclusiveness that makes this country great. Groups working with the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra to present the concert include the Zora Neale Hurston Festival of the Arts and Humanities, the Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community, the 'Negro Spiritual' Scholarship Foundation Master Singers and the Florida Opera Theatre Chorus.

“The concert will honor Eatonville author Zora Neale Thurston of 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' fame with an original composition by Adolphus Hailstork. Actress-director Elizabeth Van Dyke wrote the work's libretto.”

Orlando Philharmonic honors Zora Neale Hurston with world premiere

Matthew J. Palm, Orlando Sentinel Entertainment Critic

November 11, 2011

“Titled 'Zora! We're Calling You,' the work is a combination of music and spoken word adapted from Hurston's writings, the most famous of which is 'Their Eyes Were Watching God.'” “Hurston, one of the nation's pre-eminent writers of 20th-century African-American literature, spent her childhood in Eatonville, among the nation's oldest incorporated black municipalities. The debut of 'Zora! We're Calling You' comes in the lead-up to Eatonville's 125th anniversary in 2012.

“The importance of the work is underscored by a pair of grants totaling $70,000 awarded toward its creation. The Pabst foundation contributed $45,000, and a prestigious award from the National Endowment for the Arts added an additional $25,000.” "An award from the NEA is a distinction," said N.Y. Nathiri of the Association to Preserve the Eatonville Community, which oversees the annual Zora Neale Hurston Festival. "That is the testimony to the power of the creative energy that has come together."

“The Orlando Philharmonic collaborated with the Eatonville association to create the work, which was two years in the making. The Pabst grant allowed the groups to commission African-American composer Adolphus Hailstork, has composed notable symphonies and operas about 19th-century black cowboys and the Underground Railroad.

“Hailstork, a professor of music at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va., said Hurston's work resonated with him. 'She was a rambunctious gal. I liked that,' he said. 'She was a party girl.' Hurston's spirited nature infuses the 20-minute composition, he said. By contemplating her work as well as her personality, he was able to create a complex piece of music.

"'Her children's stories, along with telling the serious story of this rich life, make for a complete emotional package,' he said of the piece. Hailstork collaborated with actress Elizabeth Van Dyke, who crafted the spoken-word segments and will perform them at Saturday's concert. Van Dyke, a champion of black women in the arts, played Hurston in an award-winning 1990 off-Broadway autobiography of the writer.”

“I will never forget sitting next to Adolphus Hailstork during what I believe was the debut of 'Done Made My Vow'”

[Adolphus C. Hailstork]

On Oct. 23, 2011 AfriClassical posted a comment from Dr. Myron D. Moss of Drexel University: “The discography for Adolphus Hailstork at AfriClassical.com does not include a recording we actually NAMED for his music.”

Violinist Phyllis Fleming recalls the experience of sitting next to Adolphus Hailstork for what she believes was the first performance of his choral work Done Made My Vow:

“Dear Bill,

As always, I am grateful to you and your dedication to AfriClassical for documenting the accomplishments of these composers. I had the pleasure of working with Adolphus Hailstork and Hale Smith in the 1980s when I was Education Coordinator for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Their works were featured on the annual 'Classical Roots' performances. It is wonderful to finally see these compositions appear on orchestral repertoire listings throughout the year, from season to season, around the globe.

“I will never forget sitting next to Adolphus Hailstork during what I believe was the debut of 'Done Made My Vow', featuring the Brazeal Dennard Chorale and the DSO. Although composers are the first to 'hear' their works as they create them, they actually experience the 'birth' of these masterpieces during the first public performance. Phyllis” [Adolphus C. Hailstork (b. 1941) and Classical Roots are featured at AfriClassical.com, which features the complete Works List for Hale Smith, compiled by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma, http://www.CasaMusicaledeLerma.com]

Albany Records: Paul Freeman Conducts 'Sonata da Chiesa' of Adolphus Hailstork in YouTube Video (19:24)

[Paul Freeman conducting Chicago Sinfonietta; Paul Freeman Introduces...Adolphus Hailstork; Albany Records Troy499 (2002)]

The internationally renowned African American conductor Paul Freeman has conducted the Czech National Symphony Orchestra for many years. In 2002 Albany Records released a CD in the series Paul Freeman Introduces, Troy499, on which Maestro Freeman conducts Adolphus Hailstork's Sonata da Chiesa (Church Sonata) written in homage to cathedrals such as the one in which he sang as a young chorister in Albany, New York. The entire Sonata da Chiesa (19:24) can be heard in this Aug. 5, 2011 YouTube posting:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANxqIgHgxpA

[Maestro Paul Freeman (b. 1936) is profiled at AfriClassical.com along with composer Adolphus C. Hailstork (b. 1941)]

Adolphus Hailstork's 'Break Forth' at Berkshire Choral Festival, Sheffield, Massachusetts July 16

[Adolphus Hailstork]

The 2011 Berkshire Choral Festival has scheduled a work of Adolphus Hailstork, Break Forth:

The Berkshire Eagle

Andrew L. Pincus

June 1, 2011

“The choral festival is also offering two programs well out of the ordinary. 'Sacred American Voices' includes Bernstein’s familiar 'Chichester Psalms,' but it is surrounded by works by two contemporary composers, Carol Barnett and Adolphus Hailstork.

ChoralFest.org

July 10–17 (concert on July 16)

Katherine FitzGibbon, conductor

“Sacred American Voices”

Carol Barnett- The World Beloved: A Bluegrass Mass (English and Latin)

Leonard Bernstein - Chichester Psalms (Hebrew)

Adolphus Hailstork - Break Forth (English)

[Adolphus C. Hailstork is an African American composer and professor who was born on April 17, 1941 and is profiled at AfriClassical.com]

Naxos.com: Virginia Symphony records works of Adolphus Hailstork on CD 'An American Port of Call'

[Behind Tim Handley (L to R) JoAnn Falletta, Robert Shoup, Adolphus Hailstork (Photo by Dave Norman)]

Naxos.com

May 26, 2011

“May 18, 2011 was an historic day for the Virginia Symphony. The orchestra recorded its first CD for the Naxos label with a collection of five pieces by composer Adolphus Hailstork under the direction of its music director JoAnn Falletta. The music of Hailstork was a natural choice for the VSO. Dr Hailstork has lived in Virginia for 34 years, and many of his pieces were written for and premièred by his 'hometown' orchestra.

“Dr Hailstork was present for the sessions, which were recorded and produced by Tim Handley for Naxos. Music Director JoAnn Falletta conducted the Virginia Symphony in pieces that loosely shared a theme—the area’s proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Dr Hailstork’s love of the sea. The CD, entitled An American Port of Call, contains two world première recordings—Launch Out On Endless Seas and Three Spirituals. Launch Out features the Virginia Symphony Chorus (Robert Shoup, director) and baritone Kevin Deas. The piece, set to youthful poems from Walt Whitman’s 'Leaves of Grass' is the poet’s paean to the extraordinary journey of life. Three Spirituals is a beautiful setting of 'Everytime I Feel the Spirit', 'Kumbayah' and 'Oh Freedom', and was written for the Virginia Symphony.

"Other works on the CD include Symphony No 1 and two other works written for the VSO: An American Port of Call (a musical portrait of the bustling port of Norfolk Virginia) and Fanfare On Amazing Grace (the folk song had its roots in a voyage of a slave ship from Africa and a courageous captain who turned the ship around and freed his captives).

"Composer Adolphus Hailstork has been highly praised for the vibrancy, color and communicative power of his music. His pieces combine influences of African traditional music, jazz, and European style and form, and have been played internationally. He is one of the most respected and beloved composers and educators in the United States, and is the recipient of many awards, including a Fulbright Fellowship, and has been named a Cultural Laureate of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

"Dr Hailstork expressed his particular joy at having his music recorded by Naxos, and with the orchestra he considers the quintessential interpreters of his work—his own Virginia Symphony.” [Adolphus C. Hailstork is an African American composer and professor who was born on April 17, 1941 and is profiled at AfriClassical.com]

Virginia Symphony Orchestra Records Live Works of Adolphus Hailstork 8 pm May 18 at Norfolk State University

The President of

Norfolk State University

requests the pleasure of your company at

An Exclusive

LIVE Recording

Session*

featuring

the Virginia Symphony Orchestra,

conducted by JoAnn Falletta,

performing the music of

Adolphus Hailstork.

*To be internationally released on the Naxos label.

Wednesday, May 18,

2011 at 8pm

Norfolk State University

L. Douglas Wilder Performing

Arts Center

[Adolphus C. Hailstork is an African American
composer and professor who was born on
April 17, 1941 and is profiled
at AfriClassical.com]

JoAnn Falletta & Virginia Symphony to Record Naxos CD of Works of Adolphus Hailstork in May

[Adolphus Hailstork]

HamptonRoads.com

VSO conductor knows the sweet sound of success

By Teresa Annas

The Virginian-Pilot

© March 19, 2011

Fans here know her accomplishments. Since being hired in 1991, Falletta has transformed the Virginia Symphony into a respected organization that is ranked among the nation’s top orchestras.She gave the group ambition by heading to New York in 1997 for a concert at Carnegie Hall; the rave reviews brought confidence. Three years later, she took the symphony to the Kennedy Center in Washington.

Since then, she has led the symphony for 14 recordings, further spreading its reputation. In May, the symphony will record a program of works by Virginia Beach composer Adolphus Hailstork; the group’s 15th recording will be its first for Naxos, the world’s leading classical music label. Falletta has made more than 50 recordings in all and has two Grammy Awards to her credit.

She earned her 10th honor from the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers in 2008. That last ASCAP honor cited her many abilities but especially her “career-long advocacy for American composers that has made her a leading force for the music of our time.” As a conductor, she has premiered more than 100 works, here and elsewhere.

Outside of Virginia, Falletta is building her own reputation. Besides her work in Buffalo, she is a frequent guest conductor for orchestras worldwide and at the nation’s top summer festivals, such as Tanglewood. [Adolphus C. Hailstork (b. 1941) is an Eminent Scholar at Old Dominion University and is profiled at AfriClassical.com]

Austin Daily Herald: Brian Pfaltzgraff in 'I Lift Mine Eyes Unto the Hills' by Adolphus Hailstork, Wartburg Choir 7:30 PM 4/1

[Adolphus Hailstork]

Austin Daily Herald

Austin, Minnesota

Choir to perform eclectic mix of classical, folk

Published 6:30am Thursday, March 31, 2011

“The Wartburg Choir will perform works by European composers and American folk songs and spirituals during its concert Friday, April 1 in Austin. The 85-member choir, under the direction of Dr. Lee Nelson, associate professor of music, will sing at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1600 W. Oakland Ave., at 7:30 p.m. Its program will feature selections from its upcoming European tour and collaboration with the Austin High School choir.

“'This year’s theme of “Sing to the Lord a New Song!” honors the past traditions of the Wartburg Choir, while acknowledging the future direction and evolution of the choir,' Nelson said. The program, he added, will include 'hallmark works sung by past Wartburg Choirs' and will premiere two new works. Tenor Dr. Brian Pfaltzgraff, assistant professor of music, will sing 'I Lift Mine Eyes Unto the Hills' by African-American composer Adolphus Hailstork and other selections. [Adolphus C. Hailstork (b. 1941) is an Eminent Scholar at Old Dominion University and is profiled at AfriClassical.com]

Adolphus Hailstork's 'New Wade’n Water' Played By Greenwood, S.C. High School Band April 7, Directed by Byron Hilley

[Adolphus Hailstork]

The African American composer Adolphus C. Hailstork (b. 1941) is an Eminent Scholar at Old Dominion University and is profiled at AfriClassical.com. His website is at Presser.com. His works appear on 27 CDs and are very frequently performed:

Greenwood Today
GHS Band to Perform with Lander University Wind Ensemble
Posted on Sun, Mar 27, 2011
“The final performance of the season by Lander University’s Wind Ensemble, set for Thursday, April 7, will feature an appearance by the Greenwood High School Band, led by 1982 Lander graduate Byron Hilley.

"The GHS band will perform 'New Wade’n Water,' by American composer Adolphus Hailstork, then join the Wind Ensemble in the final offering of the season, a selection from Italian composer Ottorino Respighi’s 'The Pines of Rome.'”

“BandQuest.org
http://www.bandquest.org/music/newwade.shtml
New Wade ‘n Water
by Adolphus Hailstork
Released June 2003
New Wade ‘n Water is a contemporary adaptation of the traditional spiritual, Wade in the Water. Adolphus Hailstork incorporates blues scales, mixed meters and extended phrases in this piece.”

Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh: “'Bawo, Thixo Somandla,' arranged by Mzilikazi Khumalo”; “Hailstork's 'Motherless Child'”

[J. S. Mzilikazi Khumalo (b. 1932)]

The South African Composer, Arranger & Choral Director J. S. Mzilikazi Khumalo is also a Professor Emeritus of African Languages. He was born June 20, 1932 and is profiled at AfriClassical.com, as is Adolphus C. Hailstork (b. 1941):

“Kenyon College Chamber Singers at St. Paul's, Mt. Lebanon

The St. Paul's Friends of Music Guild Concert Series presents the Kenyon College Chamber Singers, conducted by Dr. Benjamin Locke, on Saturday, March 5, 2011, at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1066 Washington Road, Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania, at 7:00 p.m. The Chamber Singers, consisting of fifty-four undergraduates chosen by competitive audition, is Kenyon's premier touring ensemble.”

“The Chamber Singers will again present an eclectic mix of a cappella choral repertoire on their 2011 Spring Tour.” “The ensemble is noted for its regular inclusion of music from South Africa, which this year includes 'Bawo, Thixo Somandla' (Lord, God Omnipotent), arranged by Mzilikazi Khumalo, and 'UMaconsana' (Moonshine) by Reuben Tholakele Caluza. Other pieces on the program include Jonathan Rathbone’s 'Danny Boy,' Adolphus Hailstork’s 'Motherless Child,' Robert Fountain’s 'Roll, Jordan, Roll,' and many other selections of sacred and secular choral repertoire.”

Mayport Mirror: 'Terrance Patterson continues to guide success of the African-American chamber music group'

[ABOVE: Provided by Ritz Chamber Players, Troy Stuart - Cello and Terrance Patterson - Clarinet for the Ritz Chamber Players BELOW: John Pemberton/The Times-Union, Terrance Patterson is a member of the Ritz Players. Patterson was photographed on Wednesday January 5, 2011, at the Times-Union Center, as the JSO practiced. The Ritz Players will perform its annual concert "In Remembrance of the Dream". (The Florida Times-Union, John Pemberton)]

MayportMirror.Jacksonville.com

January 16, 2011

By Charlie Patton

“The genesis of the Ritz Chamber Players can be traced to a fortuitous twist of the radio dial.

Terrance Patterson was fiddling with the dial in the Jacksonville home where he grew up when he stumbled upon a program of classical music on Jacksonville public radio station WJCT (89.9 FM). A passion was ignited. Eventually Patterson would train as a classical clarinetist and become a very rare creature, an African-American classical musician.

“Less than 2 percent of classical musicians are African-Americans, Patterson said. After graduating from the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, a prestigious conservatory of music in Baltimore, Md., and studying for a master's at Temple University, Patterson, now 43, spent a decade supporting himself with teaching and with adjunct jobs with several orchestras, including the Nashville Symphony.

“By then he was seriously 'looking for a way to increase the participation of minorities' in classical music. He decided to found a chamber music society that would play a regular schedule of concerts using only African-American players. The group's first concert, on Feb. 22, 2002, was held at the Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum, which is why the organization Patterson leads as artistic director is named the Ritz Chamber Players.”

“It's in the Jacoby that the Ritz Chamber Players will perform their annual concert in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. 'In Remembrance of a Dream' will feature seven musicians, including soprano Alison Buchanan and Patterson. They will begin with a string quartet by Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges...” “The concert will also include compositions by Dmitri Shostakovich, Adolphus Hailstork and Sergei Prokofiev. [Adolphus Hailstork (b. 1941) and Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745-1799) are profiled at AfriClassical.com]

NEA Awards $15,000 to Alabama S. O. For Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. by Adolphus Hailstork

[Adolphus Hailstork]

Birmingham News

Michael Huebner

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

“NEA awards $125,000 to Alabama arts organizations

Alabama arts groups will receive $125,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts in 2011.

In the 'Access to Artistic Excellence' category, the Alabama Symphony Orchestra won two awards. For 'Reflect and Rejoice: A Community Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.,' the ASO will receive $15,000 to support a premiere by composer Adolphus Hailstork, a spoken-word performance and educational activities. An additional $25,000 will go toward composer Avner Dorman's residency, which includes master classes, lectures, radio broadcasts and the premiere of a new work.”

NEA.gov

“$15,000

To support Reflect and Rejoice: A Community Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In partnership with the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, the tribute will include performances including the premiere of a new work by composer Adolphus Hailstork, a spoken-word performance, and educational activities for school children.” [Adolphus C. Hailstork (b. 1941) is Professor of Music and Eminent Scholar at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia. He is profiled at AfriClassical.com]

Fire Pink Trio Performs 'As Falling Leaves' of Adolphus C. Hailstork, UNCSA Nov. 9

[Adolphus Hailstork]

AfriClassical asked Fire Pink Trio what work of Adolphus C. Hailstork will be performed on November 9 at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. Harpist Jacquelyn Bartlett has replied: “We will be performing AS FALLING LEAVES.” Jacquelyn Bartlett

“UNCSA.edu

Fire Pink Trio

Date: Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Phone: 336-721-1945

Location: UNCSA, Watson Chamber Music Hall

“Details: Faculty artists Jacquelyn Bartlett, harp, and Sheila Browne, viola, with UNCSA alumna Debra Reuter-Pivetta on flute, will present an evening of music by American composers, including works by Dan Locklair, Jan Bach, Adolphus Hailstork and Sunny Burnette. 7:30 p.m. at Watson Chamber Music Hall $12 adults / $10 seniors and students plus $1 facility usage fee.” [Adolphus C. Hailstork (b. 1941) is Professor of Music and Eminent Scholar at Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia. He is profiled at AfriClassical.com]

Birmingham News: 'Ritz Chamber Players addresses classical disparity'

[Versatile and changeable, the Ritz Chamber Players mixes 20 musicians for repertoire ranging from new music by black composers to European romantics. Five from the Jacksonville, Fla., organization perform next Sunday in Birmingham. (Photo Credit: The Birmingham News)]

Birmingham News

by Michael Huebner

Sunday, September 26, 2010, 11:00 AM

"Recognizing the need to get more African-Americans involved with classical music, clarinetist Terrance Patterson set out in 2002 to bring together the best black musicians he could find. Patterson himself is an accomplished clarinetist whose career has led him from the Peabody Conservatory to European music capitals such as Paris, London, Belgrade and Moscow, as well as Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, and New York. He returned to his native Jacksonville, Fla., to start the Ritz Chamber Players, in order to accomplish his mission of exposing young and old alike to the merits of classical music -- black composers and performers in particular.

"'We wanted to address the disparity of minorities in classical music, and to bring a new face to the 1.9 percent of African-American musicians that are represented in American orchestras, by being physically on stage and bringing in new audience members,' Patterson said last week from Jacksonville. The few that are in classical music show a united front in that regard. That's why we started the organization. The ensemble took its name from Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum, which was built on the site of the 1929 Ritz Theatre, a movie house in Jacksonville's LaVilla neighborhood, a historically black area once known as the 'Harlem of the South.' The chamber players are patterned roughly after the flexible-personnel model of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, and the organization has built its roster to 20 performers. It has also hosted a composer-in-residence every year since its inception.

“The names are impressive -- pianists Stewart Goodyear, Leon Bates and Terrence Wilson; violist Amadi Azikiwe; flutist DeMarre McGill; composers Adolphus Hailstork, David Baker and George Walker. Honorary board members include conductors Fabio Mechetti and Michael Morgan. Goodyear, Wilson, Mechetti and Morgan have appeared with the Alabama Symphony. A Hailstork composition has been commissioned by ASO and will be premiered in January. Morgan will conduct. Five musicians from its ranks, including Patterson, will perform in Birmingham next Sunday on a Birmingham Chamber Music Society event.” [Adolphus C. Hailstork (b. 1941) and George Walker (b. 1922) are profiled at AfriClassical.com]

Alabama S. O. Wins ASCAP award for programming; M. L. King Work of Adolphus Hailstork Debuts in 2010-2011 Season

[Prof. Adolphus Hailstork]

Alabama Symphony receives top ASCAP award for adventurous programming

Published: Friday, June 18, 2010

Michael Huebner – The Birmingham News

“ASO and Music Director Justin Brown will be recognized today in Atlanta at the League of American Orchestras' 65th Annual Conference. The Birmingham-based orchestra joins the New York Philharmonic (Group 1) and Albany Symphony (Groups 3-4), among others, in receiving the first-place awards. Second and third place awards in the Group 2 division went to the Pacific Symphony and Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.”

“During 2009-10, ASO commissioned new music from its first composer-in-residence, Paul Lansky, showcased the music of George Crumb and strengthened its cutting-edge Symphony 7 series. Plans for 2010-11 include premieres of commissioned works by Adolphus Hailstork and its next composer-in-residence, Avner Dorman.”

The Scene Blog of The Birmingham News announced the commission in December 2008:

“Adolphus Hailstork to compose new work for Alabama Symphony to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Posted by Michael Huebner December 17, 2008 6:00 AM

New symphonic music by a prominent composer will honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a joint project by three Birmingham cultural organizations.

“Adolphus Hailstork plans to visit Birmingham in January to discuss the musical and narrative possibilities for the music he will compose that will honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Adolphus Hailstork, whose music has been performed by the Chicago and Baltimore Symphonies and New York Philharmonic, will compose music for the Alabama Symphony Orchestra's 'Reflect and Rejoice' concert, a musical tribute to King sponsored each January by ASO, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and the Alys Stephens Center. The premiere will take place at the 2011 event. The three organizations are co-sponsoring the commission, which they hope will become an annual project.

"'We're hoping to get sponsors and donors excited about the concept so we have an annual source of funding to create a new work,' said Curt Long, ASO's executive director. 'There's a story to tell about what happened in Birmingham during the civil rights era, and symphonic music can do a very good job of telling it.'" [Adolphus Hailstork (b. 1941) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, where the composer describes his career in his own words.]

'A Hailstork Celebration, An evening of Adolphus Hailstork compositions' Feb. 19, Miami University

[Adolphus Hailstork: Symphonies Nos. 2 and 3; Grand Rapids Symphony; David Lockington, Conductor; Naxos 8.559295 (2007)]

Dr. William Bausano is conductor of Miami University Chamber Singers. AfriClassical asked him for information on a concert scheduled for Friday, Feb. 19, 2010: “A Hailstork Celebration, An evening of Adolphus Hailstork compositions featuring Miami ensembles.” Here is his reply:

“Dear Mr. Zick,
The program information is below. We will also perform 'Ye Shall Have a Song,' and encore that will not be in the printed program. Please be sure to list the correct name of the university as Miami University. The words 'of Ohio' are not a part of the name. Thank you for contacting me and for including this information on your web site. Bill Bausano”

Program

Two Preludes for Guitar Solo: James Lentini, guitar

Piano Sonata No. 3: Robert Thomas, piano

American Guernica: Miami University Wind Ensemble; Gary A. Speck, conductor

Preach The Word (Three Spirit Songs): Christina Chenes, soprano and Grace Kim, piano
1. Give Thanks to the Lord
2. Listen
3. Open the Gates

Little Lamb
When Storms Arise
Stages
with Samuel McDonald, baritone and Jacquelyn Davis, harp

Sing-a My Song
Commissioned by Miami University in celebration of its 200th Anniversary
Miami University Chamber Singers; William Bausano, conductor; Luke Tyler, accompanist
[Adolphus C. Hailstork (b. 1941) is a prolific composer who has dozens of recordings in print, including his 2009 release, Albany Records 1112, Ignis Fatuus. Dr. Hailstork is profiled at AfriClassical.com]

The History At Home 7. My Own Spades Dig Deeper

[Dr. Adolphus Cunningham Hailstork]

On Feb. 7, 2008, Springer's Journal: The History At Home posted a story on a January 2008 concert by the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra: “A Tribute To African American Heroes”. Here is an excerpt from “The History At Home 7. My Own Spades Dig Deeper”:

My criticism of PSO stems largely from how unchallenging this concert was. How they stayed so safe. How they scratched at the surface of Black history and chose to deliver something they must have perceived as accessible. Rather than innovate they chose to placate.

Jazz may have been uniquely our own, but, it is not the only classical form to which we have made extensive contributions. Any serious presentation of our African-American heroes would have recognized this.

A simple trip to AfriClassical.com shows a list of over 38 composers of African descent from the early 1700’s forward. And limiting the composers to the United States Of America does not limit - in any manner - the breadth and scope of work available.

Regardless, there are African-Americans whose work more closely resembles the traditional fare of the PSO. How might the evening have been changed by the pieces below?

“An American Port of Call” by Adolphus Cunningham Hailstork.

Maybe the contrast of Strayhorn’s piece with Hailstork’s “Epitaph for a Man who Dreamed – In Memoriam: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” may have been a fitting contrast in styles which could demonstrate our unique and individual voices. Find these on: African Heritage Symphonic Series, Vol. II; Chicago Sinfonietta; Paul Freeman, Conductor.

How would the concert have differed and become more resonant if they had included the works of Edmond Dede or William Grant Still? How would things change if they'd used my spades to dig deep enough to understand that our collective work would thrill their audiences for years whilst simultaneously developing new ones.