American Composers Alliance: 'Songs of H. Leslie Adams to be performed in Italy, Dec. 18th'

[Composer H. Leslie Adams (b. 1932); Soprano Kim Eunhyeung]

Composer H. Leslie Adams has alerted AfriClassical to an event in Milan, Italy on December 18, 2011 which involves two of his art songs:

American Composers Alliance

Sunday, December 18, 2011

“Two art songs by H. Leslie Adams, "Christmas Lullaby" and "Amazing Grace", will be performed in Milan, Italy, on December, 18th, 2011, in the concert: "Sacred Sounds from the World" at the Auditorium CAM Valvassori Peroni in Milan.

“The performers will be Korean soprano, Kim Eunhyeung, and Silvia Maserati, a pianist trained at Accademia Internazionale della Musica, Milan, and Conservatorio "Guido Cantelli", Novara. Maserati is working on several music projects of varied muscal styles in her career, with a particular interest in Cécile Chaminade, Lili Boulanger and Amy Beach's works. More information can be found on the Infinita Musica website. This concert is presented by Comune di Milano- Consiglio di Zona 3 and Associazione Culturale Infinitamusica. The program also includes sacred music by Puccini (Gloria in excelsis Deo), Ravel (Kaddisch), Handel (Messiah).”

The H. Leslie Adams Homepage is at: http://www.hleslieadams.com [H. Leslie Adams (b. 1932) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, which features a comprehensive Works List by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma, http://www.CasaMusicaledeLerma.com]

Hailstork: 'without a strong push from educators and the media, they will never know anything about African-American composers.'

[Adolphus Hailstork]

Earlier today AfriClassical posted: “I would like to respectfully urge the Brevard Music Center to program a significant number of works by Black composers.” Prof. Adolphus C. Hailstork of Old Dominion University in Virginia is an African American composer and professor who was born on April 17, 1941 and is profiled at AfriClassical.com He has commented on the post:

“Dear Bill,

Thanks for the effort. I am sure the students say what they want to play based on what they know, and without a strong push from educators and the media, they will never know anything about African-American composers."

Adolphus

WelcomeToHarlem.com: R. Nathaniel Dett 'was one of the most successful black composers, known for his use of folk songs'

[R. Nathaniel Dett (Library of Congress)]

Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma has compiled a complete Works List for R. Nathaniel Dett (1882-1943). It is featured on the composer's page at AfriClassical.com along with 10 audio samples and a biography researched by Prof. DeLerma. WelcomeToHarlem.com also presents a page on R. Nathaniel Dett, with a biography based on Wikipedia:

WelcomeToHarlem.com

“Robert Nathaniel Dett

Robert Nathaniel Dett (October 11, 1882 – October 2, 1943), often known as R. Nathaniel Dett, was a composer in the United States and Canada. During his lifetime he was one of the most successful black composers, known for his use of folk songs and spirituals for choral and piano compositions in the romantic style.

“He was among the first African American composers during the early years of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers. His works often appeared among the programs of William Marion Cook's New York syncopated Orchestra. Dett himself performed at Carnegie Hall and at the Boston Symphony Hall as a pianist and choir director.”

'Four String Symphonies' CD of G. Spensser Haynes Available From CDBaby.com

[G. Spensser Haynes; Four String Symphonies (2008); CDBaby.com]

The musician, composer and music teacher G. Spensser Haynes now lives in West Virginia. He tells us:

“I am most eager to present my 'In Memorium', written last year in honour of the miners lost at the Upper Big Branch Mine. At the time, I was researching West Virginia in anticipation of our move here; this tragedy affected me, to the point of writing an extended work in seven parts.”

“I grew up in Montclair NJ, and spent many years in Santa Cruz CA. I performed throughout the US under the auspices of the NAACP and Pent Sorors. I have been here in West Virginia for about two months (past 17 years taught instrumental music privately and in various schools in the Trenton NJ diocese), and have been meeting a great many new people.”

“As a composer, I've necessarily been interested in all the instruments. I play several instruments, on a good day; violin primarily.

http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/gshaynes3

“I have been a Musician for over 5 decades (whew! how did these numbers get so big?). I have been helping people to understand and appreciate Music, and how to play instruments and make music for over 4 decades. I have enjoyed a high student retention rate, contributed quite a few players to junior highschool, highschool and college music programs and ensembles, and have recommended a few students to 'From the Top', including a young man just last month. I founded Provenance Camerata; the first two seasons of the ensemble, all the musicians were my students, former students and colleagues. We were also beginning a renewal of interest in the strings, which we hoped would lead to a more formal youth orchestra status. I continue to support a number of former students who remain in touch with me, and several students who prefer to continue with me at distance.

The CD of G. Spensser Haynes is Four String Symphonies. The Symphonies are Winter Dreams, The Venetian, Harvest and Falling Leaves. The disc also includes a 3-movement Flute Concerto, Grace.”

For the past few years, G. Spensser Haynes has been conducting an annual “Internet Event” involving new works distributed to interested persons as brief MIDI files. The first composition for the 2011 Internet event has been released with this introduction:

“#1 Hello Friends,

To begin, I have two short pieces for you. They are attached as two separate files. Please remember that these are not actual sound recordings; the sound you hear is dependent on your sound card. If you can?t open or can?t find the files, let me know.

“*First, an etude for solo violin, one of many I've written; they usually come to me when I should be practicing! In my defense, I suspect they do address some element I feel I need to improve at that moment. This one, 'snowflake harmony', certainly reflects my need to play more harmonically at this point when I haven't yet found a lot of people to play with. I played it in public for the first time this past Sunday at my monthly appearance at the Heritage Diner.

“*Next, "The Rising of the Lark" is a Traditional Welsh or Scottish tune, the melody written by Elizabeth Grant. I found it last month at The Session Tunes, a good resource for tunes. The violin & piano arrangement is mine. I?ve adopted it as my personal theme (possibly because it seems to be about the only new tune that?s stuck in my head!), and I?m eagerly anticipating presenting it with my new pianist friend.”

G. Spensser Haynes invites interested persons to request MIDI files from him at this email address: GSHcmpsr@dr1.org He also provides this URL: http://dr1.org/ The title of the page is: “Direct Resource™ Productions/Publications.”

Ulysses Simpson Kay, Jr., Composer of Opera 'Frederick Douglass' Born Jan. 7, 1917

[Ulysses Kay: Works for Chamber Orchestra; Metropolitan Philharmonic Orchestra; Kevin Scott, Conductor; Troy 961 (2007)]

The African American composer Ulysses Simpson Kay, Jr. was born on January 7, 1917 in Tucson, Arizona. He died in Englewood, New Jersey on May 20, 1995. Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma of Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin has generously made his research entry on Ulysses S. Kay(1917-1995) available to AfriClassical.com. The research includes a complete Works List for the composer, which can be found on the Ulysses S. Kay, Jr. page.

The first major release devoted exclusively to the works of Ulysses S. Kay, Jr. is Ulysses Kay: Works for Chamber Orchestra; Metropolitan Philharmonic Orchestra; Kevin Scott, Conductor; Troy 961 (2007). This week an informative and detailed article on Ulysses S. Kay, Jr. was published in The Pasadena / San Gabriel Valley News Journal. Here is an excerpt:

The Pasadena / San Gabriel Valley News Journal

“Black News and News Makers in History: Ulysses S. Kay

Monday, 03 January 2011

Ulysses Simpson Kay, born January 7, 1917 in Tucson, Arizona, the son of Elizabeth Davis Kay and Ulysses S. Kay, he had one sister. He also was the nephew of the New Orleans jazz legend and cornet player, Joe 'King' Oliver (renowned trumpet player and mentor to Louis Armstrong), who influenced him in his formative years. Kay’s father was a barber who loved to sing. His mother, played the piano. His father used to sing ballads, hymns, work songs, and songs he created to keep his son entertained. His sister played Chopin on the piano in their home. His uncle, Joe, determined that young Kay should study the piano which he did with William A. Ferguson. He learned to play the violin and the saxophone while he was a student at Dunbar Junior High School.

“At Tucson Senior High School, he played in the marching band, sang in the glee club, and played saxophone in jazz orchestras. In 1938, he received his bachelor of music degree with training in public school music from the University of Arizona. There Kay encountered the music of pianist Bela Bartok as part of his piano study with Julia Rebeil and he was schooled in music theory under John L. Lowell at the university. He later said that those experiences gave him a completely new perspective on the field of music composition.

“He received a scholarship to the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York. While attending Eastman, Kay wrote his first composition: A Set of Ten Piano Pieces for Children (1939) and Sinfonetta for Orchestra (1939).”

The International Dictionary of Black Composers gives this overview of Kay's output as a composer: “Ulysses Kay composed approximately 140 musical compositions for orchestra, chorus, chamber ensembles, piano, voice, organ, and band, and he wrote five operas as well as scores for film and television. Kay’s works appear in numerous published editions and on approximately 21 recordings. Avoiding obvious musical references to his ethnicity, Kay preferred to immerse himself in compositional procedures that were a natural outgrowth of his educational and international experiences.”

According to Robert D. Herrema, “Kay believes that a composer is the product of his extraction and environment as well as his political and ethnic interests, but should not be limited by them.” In spite of these reservations, however, Kay incorporated the use of black spirituals in the opera Jubilee (1974–76) and in his last opera, Frederick Douglass (1979–85), treated the life of the legendary abolitionist.” Ulysses Simpson Kay died in Englewood, New Jersey on May 20, 1995.

CD 'Halcyon Trio' features works of Trent Johnson, Alfred Uhl & Max Bruch, Xtreme Medium (2002)

[TOP: Halcyon Trio; Alfred Uhl: Kleines Konzert; MaxBruch: Eight Pieces, Op. 83, Nos. 1-4; Trent Johnson: Trio for Clarinet, Viola and Piano; Xtreme Medium HT 001 (2002) BOTTOM: Trent X. Johnson]

On April 14, 2009 AfriClassical posted: “'Trio' & 'Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra' Among Compositions of Trent X. Johnson.” We noted that we had obtained a copy of the CD Halcyon Trio, recorded by the ensemble of the same name. After a year and a half of frequent listening, we regard this CD as a real find. Trent Johnson's Trio is well matched with the works of the two composers who are far better known, the Austrian Alfred Uhl (1909-1992) and the German Max Bruch (1838-1920). To our ear this program is well executed in three dynamic performances. The CD is a hidden gem, available only at the website of the Halcyon Trio.

Composer Trent Johnson is an active organist in New Jersey. He is scheduled to perform in a holiday concert in Somerville, New Jersey on Sunday, Dec. 12, 2010:

MyCentralJersey.com

Choral Concert

Daren L. McCann

Nov. 29, 2010

On Sunday, December 12th, the Deer Ridge Singers, a long-established local choral ensemble under the direction of the group's founder, Daren L. McCann, will present a Christmas concert at the United Reformed Church, 100 W. Main Street, Somerville, NJ. The 7:00 p.m. concert will feature seasonal selections from throughout the centuries...” “The concert will feature professional string, percussion, and brass instrumentalists. Trenton Johnson, concert organist and composer, will be the guest organist at the performance. Tickets are $20, and can be purchased either by calling (908)-757-1151 for advance sales, or at the door.

Nkeiru Okoye, African American Composer, Was A Featured 'FESAAM 2009' Presenter

[Nkeiru Okoye, photo at nkeiruokoye.com]

African Musical Arts, Inc. is: “A non-profit parent organization for African Chorus, African Music Publishers and the New Horizons Orchestra.” The Founder and President of AMA, Inc. is Dr. Fred Onovwerosuoke, a Ghanaian-born American composer who is also Editor of its newsletter, “The Voice of African Music.” Volume 16, No. 3 of the VOAM is the issue for Summer 2009, and continues to profile the featured presenters of “The Festival of African and African-American Music 2009” or “FESAAM 2009” earlier this year. Among them is Nkeiru Okoye, an African American composer:

“Nkeiru Okoye, Composer, pianist, and conductor

Nkeiru Okoye won her first award for writing music at the age of thirteen, while a student at the Preparatory Division of the Manhattan School of Music. A 1997 protégé composer for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra's 'African-American Composer Symposium,' and a 1995 ASCAP Grant for Young Composers awardee, Okoye has also received recognition from such organizations as the NAACP, the Long Island Composer Alliance, New York Newsday, and the New York State Martin Luther King Jr. Commission. At the age of 16, the native Long Islander received a scholarship to attend Oberlin Conservatory of Music where she studied composition and the piano.

“Okoye traveled to London to work with Pulitzer Prize nominee, Ronald Senator, during the Fall of 1990. The following year, she received funding from the Ford-Mellon Foundation for ground breaking research on Black women composers, through which she authored 'A Finding Aid for the Works of Black Women Composers' and began a collection of works by Black women composers for the Oberlin College Conservatory Library. Okoye's compositions can be described as a collage of American, West African, and European musical traditions. In her score, 'The Genesis,' she uses the orchestra to imitate a talking drum ensemble, while elements of pop and funk were used in 'RUTH' an orchestral choreopoem. Traditional folk dances inspired her latest work, 'Spanish Songs for Tenor and String Orchestra.' The composer's unifying musical message has been well received by diverse audiences.”

“After receiving her bachelor's degree in music compositionin May of 1993, Okoye was awarded a Trustees Minority Fellowship at Rutgers University where she is currently pursuing her doctorate in composition under the tutelage of composer, Noel DaCosta.”

Ulysses Kay's 'Epigrams and Hymn' To Be Heard June 14 in Sisters Chapel of Spelman College

[Ulysses Kay: Works for Chamber Orchestra; Metropolitan Philharmonic Orchestra; Kevin Scott, Conductor; Troy 961 (2007)]

ArtsCriticalATL.com
06/12/2009
Historic 'Atlanta Music Festival' coming to Spelman College
By PIERRE RUHE
“In 1910, downtown Atlanta's First Congregational Church of Christ launched what was then called the Atlanta Colored Music Festival, a program involving black and white composers and performers that helped 'discourage violence and advance respect between white and black Atlantans.' The concerts were a sensation, drawing a diverse crowd in an era of boiling racial tension, just four years after the Atlanta race riots.

“The original festival didn't last long. Last year, First Congregational's minister Dwight Andrews, an elegant and impassioned composer, revived the festival as part of his congregation's legacy. He made the point that the original event seemed like a 'cultural moment,' but added 'every cultural moment seems like a first time, going back 100 years.' This Sunday at Spelman's Sisters Chapel, Andrews, conductor Steven Darcey, Spelman organist Joyce Johnson and the Meridian Chorale will go at it a second time. The free concert, at 4 pm, features tenor Timothy B. Miller, among other solo singers, and includes Ulysses Kay's adventurous anthem 'Epigrams and Hymn' and Andrews' 'Benediction.'" Dr. Joyce Finch Johnson is also a Professor of Music.

Ulysses Simpson Kay, Jr. was an African American composer, conductor and professor who was born on January 7, 1917 in Tucson, Arizona. He died in Englewood, New Jersey on May 20, 1995. Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma of Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin has generously made his research entry on Kay available to AfriClassical.com, where his complete Works List for the composer can be found. Here is the entry for the work in question: “Epigrams and hymn, W126, for SATB & organ (1975). New York: Carl Fischer, 1975. 20p. Text: John Greenleaf Whittier, Rev. John Murray, and Samuel Longfellow. Commission: Prebysterian Theological Seminary, Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church, and Brick Presbyterian Church, for the American Bicentennial. Première: 1976/V/15; New York; Brick Presbyterian Church Choir; T. Charles Lee, conductor. Duration: 6:00.” [Full Biography]

Merrimack Valley Philharmonic Performs William Grant Still's 'Afro-American Symphony' May 3

[William Grant Still (1895-1978); (Photo is the sole property of William Grant Still Music, and is used with permission.)]

North Andover Community Calendar
Fri Apr 17, 2009, 01:07 PM EDT
“Merrimack Valley Philharmonic
The Merrimack Valley Philharmonic will perform its final concert of the 48th season Sunday, May 3, 2:30 p.m., at the Rogers Center for the Arts at Merrimack College, 315 Turnpike St. The 'All-American' concert offerings will feature Leonard Bernstein’s 'Overture to Candide,' William Grant Still’s 'Symphony No. 1' (Afro-American Symphony) and George Gershwin’s 'Concerto in F Major for Piano and Orchestra,' Louis Stewart, piano soloist. Maestro George Monseur, conductor. Cost is $18 for adults, $12 for seniors and students, and $5 for children (ages 4+). For information, call 978-685-3505. Tickets can be ordered online at http://www.mvpomusic.org, with remaining tickets sold at the door.” [William Grant Still (1895-1978) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, where a complete Works List by Dr. Dominique-René de Lerma is also found]

Hale Smith's 'Feathers' 'provides a fantastic ending to one of the seminal recordings of jazz'

[Hale Smith (b. 1925) is an African American composer who is profiled at AfriClassical.com, where a Works List by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma can be found]

Jazzbonotes.com

JAZZBO NOTES ESSENTIAL RECORDING

“Out There/Eric Dolphy

Category: 1960s, Avant-Guarde, Essential, Post-Bop, Reviews

Written by Michael Kydonieus
Dolphy ends the date with the haunting Feathers, by the obscure composer Hale Smith. The harmonic progression and melody are surprising but feel inevitable, which is the ultimate tribute to a composer. The natural poignancy of the composition is intensified by the almost guitar-like plucking of thirds by Ron Carter on the cello. Somewhat amusingly, Dolphy chooses not to take the solo at the rubato pace of the head, but instead has Hayes and Duviver provide a gentle swing for his flights on alto. Feathers provides a fantastic ending to one of the seminal recordings of jazz.

“Out There is unique in the jazz literature, as far as I know, a mixture of post-bop, chamber music, and the avant guarde. Yet, for jazz fans with a dash of adventure in their souls, it’s remarkably accessible, and well worth seeking out.”

Born April 17, 1941, Adolphus Hailstork Witnesses Many Performances of His Compositions

[Adolphus Hailstork: Symphonies Nos. 2 and 3; Grand Rapids Symphony; David Lockington,

Conductor; Naxos 8.559295 (2007)]

Adolphus Cunningham Hailstork is an African American composer and professor who was born on April 17, 1941 in Rochester, New York and is profiled at AfriClassical.com. He received a Bachelor of Music degree from Howard University in 1963. He subsequently attended the Manhattan School of Music, where he received a Bachelor of Music degree in Composition in 1965 and a Master of Music degree in Composition in 1966. During the Summer of 1963 Hailstork studied in France at Fontainebleau with Nadia Boulanger. He served in the U.S. Armed Forces in Germany from 1966-68, then attended Michigan State University, where he obtained a Ph.D. in 1971. Hailstork has been on the faculties of Youngstown State University, Norfolk State University and Old Dominion University. Hailstork's musical The Race for Space was performed at Howard University in 1963, when he was in his senior year. Statement, Variations and Fugue was his master's thesis and was performed by the Baltimore Symphony in 1966, according to the Presser site. The composer has employed a wide range of forms and styles.

Looking back at recent posts on AfriClassical, we find many with news of Prof. Hailstork's compositions. Space permits only a few examples, so we will begin with the annual Spring Tour of the Tuskegee Choir. Its 2009 program includes music by Adolphus Hailstork. On Jan. 18, 2009, the Santa Monica Symphony's annual program in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. included Adolphus Hailstork's First Symphony. On Jan. 16, 2009, a Concert/Lecture was presented by Dr. Rochelle Sennet, a Teaching Associate in Piano at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She regularly performs works of African American composers, including Adolphus Hailstork. We learned recently that Prof. Hailstork will compose music for the Alabama Symphony Orchestra's 'Reflect and Rejoice' concert, a musical tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. to be premiered at the 2011 event. Organist Douglas Brown performed music of Adolphus Hailstork on Oct. 19, 2008. The composer's Bassoon Set is featured on a recent CD, Albany TROY 1038 (2008), on which Lecolion Washington, Jr. plays the bassoon. The 2008 “Classical Thanksgiving” concert of the Meridian Symphony in Meridian, Idaho featured Adolphus Hailstork's new work for orchestra, tenor and chorus, 'I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes'. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and the Richmond Chamber Players presented a concert on August 17 which included Adolphus Hailstork's Trio for Violin, Cello, and Piano.

'Trio' & 'Concerto for Trumpet and Orchestra' Among Compositions of Trent X. Johnson

Paul M. Somers recently told AfriClassical about Trent Johnson: “Dear Mr. Zick, It's time for you to learn of Trent Xavier Johnson, a wonderful classical composer and brilliant organist. He has chamber music, choral music with orchestra, and at least two concertos (trumpet; viola) which have been played as far away as Ukraine. This guy is the real thing. His trio for the Halcyon Trio can be purchased on that group's website. He is currently the music director at the First United Methodist Church, 1 East Broad Street, Westfield, NJ 07090” 

Trent Johnson's website list 21 selected titles from his recent compositions, including: “In Homage of Spring (2009) for chorus, soprano soloist, and orchestra, written for the Oratorio Singers; Viola Concerto (2008), commissioned by violist Brett Deubner of New Jersey Symphony Orchestra; Elegy (2008), a work for organ and string orchestra, premiered in Kyiv, Ukraine”. We have obtained a copy of the CD Halcyon Trio, Xtreme Medium HT 001 (2002). The other two composers represented on the disc are Alfred Uhl and Max Bruch. Trent Johnson is represented by his composition Trio for Clarinet, Viola and Piano. The liner notes by Paul Somers say: “Trent Johnson's intent in his Trio was to compose pure music with no story or extra-musical meanings attached.”

Trumpeter David Glukh of New York City tells us he too has recorded Trent Johnson's music: “Recently I have recorded a new exciting concerto for trumpet and orchestra by African American composer Trent Johnson (2004 recipient of the Vladimir and Rhoda Lakond Award in composition from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, in NYC). Premiere performance and recording of this piece took place in Kiev, Ukraine with Kiev Kamerata in April 2008.” An upcoming organ concert is listed on Trent Johnson's website: “June 2009, Trent performs a concert on the 4 manual, Warren/Casavant organ with violinist Alex Djokic at St. Paul's Cathedral, London Ontario, Canada.” 

AfriClassical.com Guest Book: 'one of the most amazing web sites I have ever seen'

[John Blanke, Trumpeter in the Court of King Henry VIII; Westminster Tournament, 1511;

(National Archives, United Kingdom)] 

Deeann D. Mathews made a post in the Guest Book at AfriClassical.com on Saturday, 2/21/09. AfriClassical reprints it with her permission: “This is one of the most amazing web sites I have ever seen. I knew that there were many, many classical composers of African descent; I had no idea there were this many. As an African American composer of concert music, and an author on the subject of the music business (where the remnants of 'sharecropping' continue to this day, particularly against Black people), this site cheered me greatly, for credit is being given where credit is due, and African American composers through the centuries are getting the recognition and exposure they have so long been denied. Keep up the good work; I shall return to this page in the future with joy.”   From: San Francisco   Web Site: The Freedom Guide for Music Creators

CincinnatiSymphony.org: 'Celebrating the CSO’s world premiere by...Jeffrey Mumford'

[Jeffrey Mumford; Photo: Al Fuchs, courtesy Oberlin Conservatory of Music]

Friday, March 27, 2009

CincinnatiSymphony.org

“Jeffrey Mumford Composer Residency

Celebrating the CSO’s world premiere by award-winning composer Jeffrey Mumford

Born in Washington, D.C., composer Jeffrey Mumford has received numerous awards, grants and commissions. He was also the winner of the inaugural National Black Arts Festival and Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Composition Competition. Mumford’s works have been performed extensively in the United States and abroad including Vienna, Paris, London, Helsinki, Mexico, as well as at the Library of Congress, the Cleveland Orchestra, and the National, Chicago, Detroit and Atlanta Symphony Orchestras. '…this music…has a deeply thoughtful, even soulful integrity…Mumford is a composer to watch.' —Robert Carl, Fanfare

“Fri March 27 at 8 PM, Sat March 28 at 8 PM Music Hall

James Gaffigan conductor 

Colin Currie percussion

J. Mumford …and symphonies of deepening light…expanding …ever cavernous 

(World premiere commissioned for the CSO by Ann and Harry Santen in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary)

J. Higdon Percussion Concerto

Beethoven Symphony No. 5

Jeffrey Mumford creates a rich orchestration and a sophisticated rhythmic interplay in this new work commissioned for the CSO. Jennifer Higdon wrote her Percussion Concerto in 2005 as a thrilling showcase for Scottish percussionist Colin Currie. The concert is capped off with perhaps the most famous symphony of all time. Join us in Corbett Tower after the Saturday performance for a free post-concert reception with the composer.”

Two World Premieres of Regina Harris Baiocchi at ETHS 125th Anniversary Feb. 24

[Regina Harris Baiocchi]

Regina Harris Baiocchi sends this news to AfriClassical: "Please note that the world premiere of my two commissions will be next Tuesday, 24 February, 7:00 PM. Music: ETHS Fanfare and Nyimbo Mbili Katika Kiswahili kwa Chorus & Orchestra (Two Swahili Poems). Venue: Evanston Township High School Auditorium, 1600 Dodge." 

Evanston Review

School Notes

Feb. 29, 2009

Evanston Township High School

“As part of the high school's 125th anniversary celebration, the ETHS Alumni Association board commissioned a special musical work by Regina Harris Baiocchi to be played at the music festival: 'ETHS Fanfare' and 'Two Swahili Poems: Nilisikia sauti kubwa and Haba na haba.' Baiocchi -- a Chicago composer, poet, author and artist -- has written instrumental and vocal music for opera, libretti, ballet and concertos. Her compositions have been performed by the Chicago Symphony, as well as numerous other orchestras and ensembles throughout the United States and Europe. 

R. Nathaniel Dett Concert Choir's '18th Annual Black Heritage Concert' in Cleveland Feb. 8

[The Collected Piano Works of R. Nathaniel Dett; Summy-Birchard (1973)]

Cleveland Institute of Music

“18TH ANNUAL BLACK HERITAGE CONCERT PRESENTED FEBRUARY 8

The 18th Annual Black Heritage Concert featuring ensembles from the Cleveland School of the Arts, is Sunday, February 8 at 4:00 p.m. in CIM's Kulas Hall. The R. Nathaniel Dett Concert Choir, with director William B. Woods and the Chamber Orchestra, with director Diana Richardson, will perform works by Robert Morris, Charlie Parker, R. Nathaniel Dett and more.” 

“William B. Woods is a native of Gadsden, Alabama and received his early training in music at Carver High School. He then studied organ and choral music with the late Walter Blodgett at Tennessee State and Western Reserve University. His musical impact at Cleveland School of the Arts is felt throughout the Greater Cleveland Community and beyond. The Dett Choir, which he directs, has enhanced the reputation of the school by establishing a model of excellence in performance.” “Dianna Richardson is the orchestra director and head of the music department at the Cleveland School of the Arts. She received a Bachelor of Music degree from CIM. In 1998, Ms. Richardson received the Heidi Castleman Award for Excellence in Teaching and Performing Chamber Music.” [R. Nathaniel Dett is profiled at AfriClassical.com, along with a Works List and Bibliography compiled by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma of Lawrence University, Appleton, Wisconsin]

JazzLives on Composer James P. Johnson: “'CALL 1-800-STRIDE' RIGHT AWAY!”

[Victory Stride: The Symphonic Music of James P. Johnson; The Concordia Orchestra; Marin Alsop, Conductor; Music Masters 67140 (1994)]

Jazz Lives

January 28, 2009

“What’s all this? Scott E. Brown wrote a wonderful book about our man James P. Johnson, A Case of Mistaken Identity: The Life and Music of James P. Johnson (Scarecrow Press, 1986). Johnson, as many of you will know, taught Fats Waller, composed 'Charleston,' 'Runnin’ Wild,' 'If I Could Be With You One Hour Tonight,' 'Mule Walk,' and many others. To my ears, he is the most satisfying of the great Stride players. But he also wrote longer works, including an opera, DE ORGANIZER, with libretto by Langston Hughes — 'Third Stream' works bridging jazz and classical music. His more ambitious compositions received insufficient notice, and he may well have died a disappointed man. Scott is up here in New York for a few days to do research at the New York Public Library, and he is looking for people who saw James P. play. That’s not an impossibility: James P. was at the keyboard in 1950 and perhaps beyond. If you have any information for Scott (a pile of acetates in the kitchen cabinet, perhaps) email him at jpjstride@aol.com, or call him at 443-528-1444 (cell).” [Full Post]

Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma of Lawrence University in Wisconsin explains the origin of Johnson's best-known and underappreciated classical work Yamekraw: A Negro Rhapsody, “Written in celebration of a black community on the outskirts of Savannah, Yamekraw: A Negro Rhapsody (1927) was first performed by Fats Waller in a Carnegie Hall concert organized by William C. Handy. It seems most likely that Johnson's relative inexperience in orchestral writing prompted him to ask William Grant Still to rework the score in 1928.” Dr. De Lerma adds: “His first stroke in 1940 did not prevent him from presenting a concert of his own works at Carnegie Hall in 1944, but a much more serious stroke occurred in 1951, confining him to bed until his death.” James Price Johnson (1894-1955) was born on Feb. 1 and is profiled at AfriClassical.com

Nyaho/Garcia Piano Duo Begins Tour With Works of Onovwerosuoke & Walker in Louisiana Feb. 4

[Dr. William Chapman Nyaho & Susanna Garcia of the Nyaho/Garcia Duo]

TheAdvertiser.com/

Nyaho and Garcia piano duo launch U.S. Tour

January 20, 2009

“Duo-pianists William Chapman Nyaho and Susanna Garcia will begin their four-state tour at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4 in the Ducrest-Gilfrey Auditorium of Angelle Hall on the University of Louisiana Lafayette campus. The duo will perform a work written for them by Nigerian composer Fred Onovwerosuoke.  The program will also feature other works by composers of the African Diaspora and Latin American composers. Other composers whose works will be performed are New Orleans jazz artist Alvin Batitste and Lafayette’s Jonathan Kulp. Guest artist Eric Taylor will join them in a performance of George Walker’s 'Five Fancies for Clarinet and Piano.' Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for students; and free for UL students, faculty and staff. Information: 482-6016.” 

The Nyaho/Garcia Duo is committed to performing music of composers of African or Hispanic heritage, as well works of contemporary, American and women composers. The Duo has a recording to its credit as well: Aaron Copland: Music for Two Pianos, Centaur 2405 (1998).  [William Chapman Nyaho and George Walker are profiled at AfriClassical.com]

Fishers Chamber Orchestra Plays Works of Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson January 31, 2009

[Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson Conducting the New Black Music Repertory Ensemble;
Photo courtesy of the Center for Black Music Research, Columbia College, Chicago]

Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, who is profiled at AfriClassical.com, will be included in
the following program of Fishers Chamber Orchestra, http://www.FishersMusic.org
Conner Prairie Recital:
3:00 p.m. Saturday, January 31, 2009, Fishers, Indiana
Sonata for Violin and Harpsichord; J. S. Bach (1685-1750)
Caprice No. 1; Mark O'Connor (b. 1961)
Louisiana Blues Strut (a Cakewalk) (2002); Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson (1934-2004)
Duo for Violin and Viola in G Major; W. A. Mozart (1756-1791)
The Stream Flows (in two movements); Bright Sheng (b. 1955)
Caprice No. 2; Mark O'Connor
Blue/s Forms (1979); Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson
La Folia Variations; Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741)

Davis Brooks, Violin; Associate Professor, Butler University, Indianapolis
Lisa Evans Brooks, Violin; Associate Professor, School of Music, Butler University
Kurt Fowler, Cello; Associate Professor, Indiana State University
John Glennon, Harpsichord; Completing Doctorate in Music at Indiana University
Sheldon Person, Viola; Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra

Clarksdale Press Register: 'William Grant Still exhibit on display through January 16'

[William Grant Still: Inspired to Inspiring Exhibit, Clarksdale Press Register, Clarksdale, Mississippi]

Musician Still exhibit at library

William Grant Still exhibit on display through January 16

By ANDY ROSS

Staff Writer

Thursday, January 8, 2009 2:16 PM CST

Between the Delta Blues Museum, Theo's Rock 'n' Roll Museum, various Blues Trail markers and other cultural hotspots around Coahoma County, there is no shortage of information for those seeking out the rich musical heritage of Mississippi. The newest exhibit now on display at Carnegie Public Library is yet another location. William Grant Still: Inspired to Inspiring, tells the story of the Woodville, Miss. born composer who was the first African–American to conduct a major American symphony orchestra. Made up of eight free-standing panels, the exhibit begins with Still’s childhood in Miss. and Ark. and runs through his time working with W.C. Handy in Memphis, all the way to his years in Los Angeles creating musical scores for popular TV shows and movies. In addition to writing more than 150 compositions in his lifetime, Still is also known as one of the first composers to merge blues and jazz themes into traditional European classical forms. One of Still’s quotes displayed in the exhibits exemplifies this approach to music. In referring to his best known piece, Symphony No. 1 “Afro-American” Still writes: “I knew I wanted to write a symphony; I knew that it had to be an American work; and I wanted to demonstrate how the blues, so often considered a lowly expression, could be elevated to the highest musical level.” Inspired to Inspiring will be at Carnegie Library through Jan. 16. The exhibit is owned by Delta State University and will be on tour through various other libraries and academic institutions throughout Mississippi this year. [William Grant Still (1895-1978) is profiled at AfriClassical.com]