“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]

DSO Blog: 5 Works of Hale Smith on Detroit Symphony Orchestra's 'Classical Roots' Program March 4 & 5

[Hale Smith (1925-2009)]

DSO Blog
Performance Information

CLASSICAL ROOTS: Daniel Bernard Roumain

Andrè Raphel, conductor; Daniel Bernard Roumain, violin; Angela M. Brown, soprano; Brazeal Dennard Chorale

Fri., Mar. 4 at 10:45 a.m.

Sat. Mar. 5 at 8:30 p.m.

Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing arr. Roland Carter

Selections of Spirituals Brazeal Dennard Chorale

Augustus Hill, conductor

Dancers, Dreamers, and Presidents Daniel Bernard Roumain

Let us Break Bread Hale Smith, from Four Spirituals

Jesus Lay your Head in the Window Hale Smith, from Four Spirituals

This Little Light of Mine Hale Smith, from Four Spirituals

Witness Hale Smith, from Four Spirituals

Negro Folk Symphony William Dawson

By Yearning and By Beautiful Hale Smith

CLASSICAL ROOTS CELEBRATION

MGM Grand Detroit

Sponsored by MGM Grand Detroit and HOUR Magazine

Sat., Mar. 5

6:30 p.m. Reception and Strolling Dinner

8:30 p.m. Classical Roots Concert

10:30 p.m. Dessert & Dancing

Black Tie Event

[The African American composer, pianist and professor Hale Smith passed away on November 24, 2009 after a lengthy illness. His complete Works List has been compiled by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma and is featured on the composer's page at AfriClassical.com.]

Detroit Symphony Orchestra: “DSO's 'Classical Roots' Celebration to Take Place At MGM Grand Detroit”

[DBR: etudes4violin&electronix; Daniel Bernard Roumain]

Detroit Symphony Orchestra Blog

DSO's 'Classical Roots' Celebration to Take Place At MGM Grand Detroit

Monday, February 7th, 2011

DETROIT, (Feb. 7, 2011) – The Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s (DSO) annual Classical Roots Celebration will take place Sat. Mar. 5 at 6:30 p.m. at MGM Grand Detroit. Performances will feature the renowned violinist and composer Daniel Bernard Roumain, the DSO Civic Jazz Orchestra and the Detroit Children’s Choir.

"This much anticipated black tie celebration raises awareness about the contributions of African-Americans to classical music and supports increased opportunities through special educational programs, such as the DSO’s African-American Orchestral Fellowship Program, a mentoring opportunity for young professional musicians. The Classical Roots Concerts on Fri., Mar. 4 at 10:45 a.m. and Sat., Mar. 5 at 8:30 p.m. will honor late Detroit native, legendary music educator and Classical Roots movement founder Brazeal Dennard and remains scheduled as planned, pending a settlement with the orchestra.

“Although the ongoing strike by the DSO musicians brings unique challenges to this year’s Classical Roots Celebration gala, our mission of raising funds to provide increased opportunities for African-Americans in classical music and support the DSO’s music development programs, including DSO’s African-American Orchestral Fellowship Program, remains more important than ever,” said Classical Roots Co-Chair Chacona W. Johnson.

The Celebration begins at 6:30 p.m. with a cocktail reception and strolling dinner at MGM Grand Detroit, followed by the “Classical Roots” concert at 8:30 p.m. Following the concert, guests are invited to dancing and dessert at MGM Grand featuring Detroit’s own DJ Global. In the event a settlement is reached, a shuttle bus will transport patrons to and from Orchestra Hall for the scheduled Classical Roots concert. Co-chairing the Classical Roots Celebration are Chacona W. Johnson and Rita L. Jordan with the support of more than 30 other Detroit-area citizens and corporate leaders committed to the Classical Roots mission. The Celebration is supported by sponsors MGM Grand Detroit and HOUR Magazine.