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]

H. Leslie Adams: “The score, 'Nightsongs,' which includes 'Prayer' is available on the Adams website”

[H. Leslie Adams (b. 1932)]

A bass-baritone contacted AfriClassical.com for assistance in locating music of H. Leslie Adams for a Master's Degree Recital. While considering possible works to be used as encores, the singer had found a recording of Prayer by H. Leslie Adams, and asked us if the sheet music could be obtained. We replied with an email copied to H. Leslie Adams and our principal advisor, Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma.

The composer responded to AfriClassical.com:

“Dear Bill,

The score, 'Nightsongs,' which incudes 'Prayer' is available on the Adams website, namely www.hleslieadams.com From drop down Menu, go to Purchase Scores. For a program on such short notice, the best would be to go directly to American Composers Alliance, 802 W. 190th St. Suite 1B, New York NY 10040. Phone 212 362 8900. ingo@composers.com”

Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma replied to the singer:

“Discovering new repertoire and a new composer is a very exciting experience. I'm glad that you now wish to add Leslie to your list; he is a fine composer. May I suggest a work that has long been more than just a favorite of mine: his Sence you went away is, I think, one of the most wonderful works in the entire repertoire!”

AfriClassical.com relayed the reply of H. Leslie Adams to the graduate student, who expressed great appreciation for the assistance provided. [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]

Morgan Earle on 'For You There Is No Song': 'This wonderful work by Mr. Adams is a gem among art song literature'

[H. Leslie Adams (b. 1932)]

Earlier today, October 28, 2011, AfriClassical posted: “Morgan Earle Sings 'For You There Is No Song' of H. Leslie Adams on SoundCloud.com.” H. Leslie Adams (b. 1932) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, which features his complete Works as compiled by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma, http://www.CasaMusicaledeLerma.com. Mezzo-soprano Morgan Earle was accompanied by pianist Ken Passmore. Morgan has graciously responded to the blog post:

“Dear Mr. Zick,

Thank you so much for your wonderful article and link to my performance of 'For You There Is No Song.' This wonderful work by Mr. Adams is a gem among art song literature and I am so very pleased that I had the opportunity to sing it.

Best wishes,

Morgan”

Morgan Earle Sings 'For You There Is No Song' of H. Leslie Adams on SoundCloud.com

[H. Leslie Adams (b. 1932)]

On October 27, 2011 the work For You There Is No Song (2:32), composed by H. Leslie Adams, was uploaded to SoundCloud.com. The performer is Morgan Juliette Earle, a mezzo-soprano who was giving her Senior Recital at Callaway Auditorium, LaGrange College, in April 2011. The recording was engineered by Paul Hammock of The Moog Studios.”

http://soundcloud.com/mjearle/for-you-there-is-no-song

The performance is also on YouTube.com:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53BYqQdLJz0

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]

Composer H. Leslie Adams: 'New Adams Website Additions'

[H. Leslie Adams]

The composer and pianist H. Leslie Adams (b. 1932) sends AfriClassical an update on his website:

"The H. Leslie Adams Homepage now has a new Video Gallery as well as Audio Works complete on selected pages. These works are from solo, chamber and orchestral selections, so visitors can hear the pieces intact while they peruse the text. Go to www.hleslieadams.com [The editor / webmaster is William Armstrong.] [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]

H. Leslie Adams Announces Additions to Video Gallery on Homepage

[H. Leslie Adams (b. 1932)]

The composer and pianist H. Leslie Adams sends AfriClassical an update on the Video Gallery at his website:

ANNOUNCEMENT

New Addition to Video Gallery:

Excerpts from A LISTENING PARTY

Live performance at East Cleveland Library, Greg L. Reese Performing Arts Center and Debra Ann November Learning Center.

Maria Corley, pianist, performing Etude in E Flat Minor from Twenty-six Etudes for Solo Piano

Darryl Taylor, countertenor, performing "Creole Girl" from Nightsongs

Cavani performing fourth movement (finale) from Quartet for Strings in D Flat.

_________

Also on Gallery: Excerpts from Ingenuity Festival of Cleveland, with Young Artist Affiliates of Cleveland Lyric Opera; Interviews with directors and performers of Ingenuity Festival; and Live interview on NBC's Weekend Morning Show with Kim Wheeler. Webmaster: William Armstrong. On: H. Leslie Adams Homepage 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]

Webmaster William Armstrong Adds Video Gallery to Website of Composer H. Leslie Adams

[H. Leslie Adams (b. 1932)]

Composer and Pianist H. Leslie Adams sends this news to AfriClassical:

ANNOUNCEMENT

A new Video Gallery has been added by Webmaster William Armstrong to the H. Leslie Adams Homepage. The start of this Gallery contains the following:

(1) Live Interview on NBC's Weekend Morning Show with Kim Wheeler; February 20, 2010. [Duration 3:31]

(2) "A Salute to Composer H. Leslie Adams," Presented by the Ingenuity Festival 2006. Excerpts include settings of texts by Edna St. Vincent Millay, Joette McDonald, R. H. Grenville, Suzanne Hassler. Sung by Young Artist Affiliates of Cleveland Lyric Opera. [Duration 26:38]

(3) An Interview with the directors and performers of Ingenuity Festival 2006. [Duration 6:24]

[Total Duration 35:33]

You may visit this website 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]

“I am interested in getting the printed vocal music of Leslie Adams in particular 'Creole Girl'"

[Love Rejoices: Songs of H. Leslie Adams; Darryl Taylor, countertenor; Robin Guy, piano; Albany Records Troy 428 (2000) (74:55)]

A visitor to AfriClassical.com has made this request for information about a composer who is featured at the website, H. Leslie Adams:

“I am interested in getting the printed vocal music of Leslie Adams in particular 'Creole Girl'"

We have replied:

“The website of Dr. Darryl Taylor, who recorded Creole Girl on Love Rejoices, identifies the source for the sheet music as follows:

Henry Carl Music. 7588 Middle Ridge Road. Madison, Ohio 44057. Phone: 216-231-7385.

The website of the composer also lists Henry Carl Music as the seller of the sheet music.”

Darryl Taylor, Countertenor, has a website at http://www.darryltaylor.com/ Dr. Taylor is also founder of The African American Art Song Alliance http://www.darryltaylor.com/alliance/

The composer's website is: 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 of Lawrence University Conservatory]

ClevelandClassical.com: In 'L’extase d’Amour' of H. Leslie Adams, violist Eliesha Nelson was the more than capable soloist'

[H. Leslie Adams, Composer; Eliesha Nelson, Violist]

ClevelandClassical.com

Review

by Daniel Hathaway

“How many local composers can boast of having their own Fan Club? H. Leslie Adams is one of the few, if he isn’t unique in that regard, and his friends and supporters turned out in force for a concert of his new instrumental works at the Main Cleveland Public Library on Saturday afternooon, February 19.

“The 2 pm, one-hour performance was the latest event in CPL’s 'Music at Main' series, which takes place on the third-floor landing of the main building, at once an intimate and spacious setting where the corridors leading to the Fine Arts Department and the Recordings collection meet (and where the elevators regularly chime in). It’s a fun setting because the music carries throughout the marble halls below and above and draws listeners into the audience who had come on other errands.

“On Saturday, though, most of the large crowd were there on purpose to hear four new (and in one case not quite complete) works by one of Cleveland’s probably most-performed composers. Adams, who graduated from Oberlin, was born in Cleveland and has stuck around for most of his 79 years, though his compositions have traveled as far as Iceland and Prague. Bassoonist Michael Dalby, a librarian in the Fine Arts Department, is the mastermind for Music at Main, and after recognizing new library director Felton Thomas, Jr., greeting the crowd and introducing H. Leslie Adams, he joined his wife, pianist Anne Dalby for a performance of Adams’ Poem of Love. The bassoon played a long, lyrical melody over an accompanimental pattern in the piano, then the two instruments traded roles. A more rhythmical middle section found the two players passing motives back and forth, then the attractive work ended with a restatement of the first section.

“The Romance in D-flat for English horn and piano, the composer explained, is part of a project to bring ensemble instruments into the spotlight as soloists. Alice Mantey joined pianist Robert Cassidy for the piece, which was again cast in A-B-A form with lyrical sections separated by a rather jazzy middle section. Two movements of Adams’ Trio for Clarinet, Violin and Piano (an unusual combination, he explained) were presented by clarinetist Victoria Marra, violinist Laura Simna and Cassidy. Though the first movement resembled the two earlier works in form and content, the second surprised us with a march (described by Adams as “the march of the aggressive toy soldiers”).

“Perhaps the most assured piece of the afternoon, Adams’ L’extase d’Amour for viola and piano, came at the end. Cleveland Orchestra violist Eliesha Nelson was the more than capable soloist, expertly joined at the piano by Dianna White-Gould. Here Adams’ trademark lyrical tune got slightly varied treatment upon repetition, and the mid-section was enlivened by dialogues between the piano and pizzicati from the viola. Some harmonic surprises also pricked up the ear. Adams’ lyrical and accessible music made for an enjoyable hour of listening on a bright Saturday afternoon.” The composer's website is: 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 of Lawrence University Conservatory]

Comment by email:

Bill, Thanks for your kind compliment and for the posting. hla [H. Leslie Adams]

Maria Thompson Corley Plays 'Adagio in F' of Saint-Georges & 'Étude in A Minor' of H. L. Adams at Bermuda Festival

[Maria Thompson Corley]

On Friday, Feb. 11, 2011 in the City of Hamilton, Bermuda, Pianist Maria Thompson Corley made her first appearance in the Bermuda Festival. She performed Ludwig van Beethoven's Sonata Op. 13 Pathetique; Barcarolle, Op. 60 of Frederic Chopin; the rarely performed Adagio in F minor of Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges; and the Étude in A minor of H. Leslie Adams. AfriClassical.com profiles both Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745-1799) and H. Leslie Adams (b. 1932).

Natalie Hinderas recorded the Adagio in F (6:25) of Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges on LP. It is now available as a download from ClassicsOnline.com for $1.59.

The Bermuda Festival program notes tell us:

"Jamaican-born Canadian pianist Maria Thompson Corley, who is also Bermudian, is the granddaughter of Cecily Caisey, a well-known piano teacher on the island of Bermuda. Maria Thompson Corley gave her first public performance at the age of eight. Since then, she has appeared on radio, television, and concert stages in Canada, the United States, Central America, the Caribbean, Bermuda and Europe, both as a solo and collaborative artist."

The program notes say of the work of Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges:

“His Adagio in F Minor is an eloquent expression of deep sorrow, rendered with the sort of transparency that makes this piece deceptively difficult.”

The program notes quote the pianist as saying of the composition of H. Leslie Adams:

“While Adams' intention in his études was to create moods, rather than focusing exclusively on one technical problem, several of them follow the mould established by Chopin in his famous sets of concert études. The Étude in A Minor fits this category; it is an octave étude, full of turbulence, but with a delightfully unexpected blues break in the middle.”

PublicBroadcasting.net: Music of H. Leslie Adams, 'The Wider View': 'Love Rejoices' on WRTI.org Feb. 13, 10 PM

[TOP: Love Rejoices: Songs of H. Leslie Adams; Darryl Taylor, tenor; Albany Records Troy 428 BOTTOM: H. Leslie Adams]

WRTI.org

PublicBroadcasting.net

“The Wider View: Love Rejoices on Now is the Time

On February 13th, from 10 to 11 pm, listen online at wrti.org or on WRTI HD-2 to Kile Smith's Contemporary American Music show, Now is the Time. Works by David Snow, Wendy Mae Chambers, and H. Leslie Adams will warm you up for Valentine's Day! The show begins in winter and ends with intimations of spring. The appropriately named composer David Snow shares with us the haunting Winter for trumpet and piano. The second movement from the Symphony of the Universe by the always-engaging Wendy Mae Chambers is called 'Organism.' She wrote for a big-band jazz ensemble to be recorded in the cavernous Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City, and the results are stunning.

"The song cycle The Wider View comes from the romantic and lyrical pen of H. Leslie Adams. Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar, Langston Hughes, and others lead to the final 'Love Rejoices' by James Dillet Freeman. '...O love, come close and circumscribe me round / With love's dear otherness, encompass me / In bonds so fair for when I am bound by love / on ev'ry side, / Then I am free. / O love, you are the only narrow door through which myself can reach to the yet more. / And Love Rejoices, Love Rejoice!'

Love Rejoices

(James Dillet Freeman)

I walk alone upon a lonely beach

And none but I walk here.

On ev'ry side the world is mine as far as I can reach

Oh, the sea and sky and earth stretch wide.

Why am I then as if confined

When I have all this endless ev'rywhere?

Who locks me in this cage of mind?

And why is this bare world so hard to bear?

O love, come close and circumscribe me round

With love's dear otherness, encompass me

In bonds so fair for when I am bound by love

on ev'ry side,

Then I am free.

O love, you are the only narrow door through which myself can reach to the yet more.

And Love Rejoices, Love Rejoice!"

[H. Leslie Adams (b. 1932) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, which features a comprehensive Works List by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma of Lawrence University Conservatory]

Cleveland Public Library: H. Leslie Adams, 'A Program of New Instrumental Works' Feb. 19 2 PM

Cleveland Public Library
Fine Arts Department Presents

H. Leslie Adams,

“A Program of New Instrumental Works”

in collaboration with the H. Leslie Adams Fan Club

Saturday, February 19, 2011
2-3p.m. 3rd floor Main Library
FREE and open to all ages!

Call 216.623.2848
or visit
http://www.cpl.org/musicatmain
for more information.

325 Superior Avenue
Cleveland, Ohio 44114

HOMEPAGE: http://www.hleslieadams.com and http://www.hleslieadams.net [H. Leslie Adams (b. 1932) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, which features a comprehensive Works List by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma of Lawrence University Conservatory]

'H. Leslie Adams: “'Prayer' on a text of Langston Hughes, is not an arrangement but an original composition by myself.”

[H. Leslie Adams]

H. Leslie Adams (b. 1932) has provided an important correction to a Nov. 18 post from the Boston Musical Intelligencer: “Jeanine De Bique Sings 'Hall Johnson, H. Leslie Adams, H. T. Burleigh, and Jacqueline Hairtson.'”

“Dear Bill,

Thanks so much for this information. They got it a bit wrong, though. 'Prayer' on a text of Langston Hughes, is not an arrangement but an original composition by myself. It's my melody and accompaniment, and though it may sound like an arranged piece, it's not. In case you're in touch with De Bique, please let her know so this doesn't 'get out there' incorrectly. Thanks, Leslie"

Collaborative Piano Blog: “Darryl Taylor and Maria Corley Perform H. Leslie Adams' 'For You There Is No Song'”

[ABOVE: Anthology of Art Songs by Black American Composers, compiled by Willis C. Patterson; Edward B. Marks Music. BELOW: Darryl Taylor, countertenor, and Brent McMunn, piano, in iSing, University of California Irvine, May 8, 2010]

Chris Foley provides a unique and invaluable service to those who appreciate Classical Music, Classical Music Blogs. It is a PageFlakes.com page which lists 257 blogs on Classical Music, links to each blog, and provides miniature views of the home pages of many of the blogs, including AfriClassical. Chris Foley is also passionate about Collaborative Piano and New Opera. On the home page of The Collaborative Piano Blog, he writes:

“Based in Toronto, Canada, I'm a pianist, teacher, vocal coach, and blogger. At the Royal Conservatory of Music, I teach piano, vocal coaching, collaborative piano, and vocal literature, as well as serving as head of the voice department in the Conservatory School. I'm also honored to be a member of the Studio Company at Tapestry New Opera Works, where I'm involved in the creation, rehearsal, and performance process of many new works for the opera stage.”

The Collaborative Piano Blog

The piano in ensemble. The piano in real life.

Saturday, May 01, 2010

“Darryl Taylor and Maria Corley Perform H. Leslie Adams' For You There Is No Song

I've really been enjoying this 2007 video of countertenor Darryl Taylor and pianist Maria Corley performing H. Leslie Adams’ For You There Is No Song at the East Cleveland Public Library. It’s worth noting that Darryl Taylor is also the founder of the African American Art Song Alliance, an organization dedicated to the promotion of the art song written by African American composers. If you find this repertoire as fascinating as I do, a good place to start exploring would be Willis C. Patterson’s Anthology of Art Songs by Black American Composers, in addition to the resources that can be found on Darryl’s AAASA site, AfriClassical.com and the AfriClassical blog.” HOMEPAGE: http://www.hleslieadams.com and http://www.hleslieadams.net

Art Songs & Piano Works of H. Leslie Adams at NANM Scholarship Hearing in Cleveland April 16

[H. Leslie Adams]

The American Composers Alliance Announces that Art Songs and Piano Works of H. Leslie Adams will be performed at a Scholarship Hearing of the NANM (The National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc.) in Cleveland on April 16, 2010. H. Leslie Adams explains the event:

“Aspiring contestants perform for a jury their chosen selections on the regional division of the national organization. Those receiving high ratings will go on to perform at the annual national convention. The regional 'hearing' is attended by local audiences in and around the state. The national convention is attended by members from all the states.”

Friday, April 16, 2010 at 4:00 p.m.

Antioch Baptist Church

East 89th & Cedar Avenue

Cleveland, OH 44106

(216) 721-0046

Special featured performance of "The Ecstasy of Love for Viola and Piano." Eliesha Nelson, viola; Dianna White-Gould, piano. The public is invited.

HOMEPAGE: http://www.hleslieadams.com and http://www.hleslieadams.net

[H. Leslie Adams (b. 1932) is an African American composer, pianist and professor who is profiled at AfriClassical.com, which features a Works List and Bibliography compiled by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma]

WKYC Television: 'Cleveland composer H. Leslie Adams honored'

[H. Leslie Adams]

February 20, 2010 12:50 PM
WKYC.com
“CLEVELAND -- Renowned Cleveland composer H. Leslie Adams was honored Monday February 15 by friends and family for his newest musical composition and contributions to classical music. Dr. Adams' composition, 'Ecstasy of Love' for viola and piano, was performed by Eliesha Nelson, violinist with the Cleveland Orchestra, and Dianna White-Gould, classical pianist who teaches at the Cleveland School of the Arts.”

“He is cited by the American Composers Alliance as one of the leading African American composers in the world, and his orchestral compositions have been performed by the Cleveland Orchestra, Buffalo Philharmonic, Prague Radio Symphony, and Indianapolis Symphony. Adams has released two classical music CDs - 'Love Rejoices: Songs of H. Leslie Adams' and 'Twelve Etudes' - which feature not only instrumental music, but vocalists, as well. [H. Leslie Adams (b. 1932) is an African American composer, pianist and professor who is profiled at AfriClassical.com]

Comment by email
Thanks for the post on my tv interview. The program went very well, and the announcer seemed to like the subject of classical music. She asked questions about the importance of music in the public school curriculum. While the talking interview was running, footage of Monday's reception was sometimes shown. I understand this will be on the web shortly at http://www.wkyc.com/; the subject's name (in this case mine) is entered and the article and accompanying video can be viewed for several days. H. Leslie Adams

Composer H. Leslie Adams Discusses His Works on Television in Cleveland, 9 AM Feb. 20

[H. Leslie Adams]

AfriClassical received this word today from composer H. Leslie Adams, a native and resident of Cleveland:

“Announcement

H. Leslie Adams is on WKYC Channel 3 on Saturday, Feb. 20 during 'Weekend Review' 9-10 a.m. He is talking about his music compositions.” [H. Leslie Adams (b. 1932) is an African American composer, pianist and professor who is profiled at AfriClassical.com, where a comprehensive Works List by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma is featured.]

Raleigh Chamber Music Guild: Music of 12 African American Composers Sunday, July 19

Raleigh Chamber Music Guild
The first concert in the 2009-2010 Sights & Sounds series features soprano Louise Toppin, pianist David Heid, and cellist Timothy Holley in a program entitled More than a Spiritual.

DATE: July 19, 2009, 3 PM

SITE: North Carolina Museum of Art
2110 Blue Ridge Road, Raleigh

PROGRAM

• Robert Owens (b. 1925): Heart on the Wall

• Songs by Leslie Adams, H. T. Burleigh, Jackie Hairston, Willis L. James, Hall Johnson, Thomas Kerr, Undine S. Moore, Florence Price, Ralph Simpson, William Grant Still

• Valerie Capers (b. 1937): Song of the Seasons

TICKETS: $10 General Public; $8 NCMA Members & Students

INFORMATION & TICKET SALES
- NCMA Box Office (919) 715-5923
- Museum website: http://www.ncartmuseum.org
- Raleigh Chamber Music Guild (919) 821-2030

ARTISTS

• Louise Toppin, soprano

• David Heid, piano

• Timothy Holley, cello

[H. Leslie Adams, Henry T. Burleigh, Florence B. Price and William Grant Still are profiled at AfriClassical.com]

Broad Street Review: 'My Croatian piano debut' by Maria Thompson Corley

[The author (right) in Cavtat with e-pal Ivana: An unusual chain of events, to say the least.]

We recently found this comment about an article at BroadStreetReview.com: “A composer checks in”   Re “My Croatian piano debut,” by Maria Thompson Corley — Great article. Maria Corley shows she’s a fine writer as well as a fantastic pianist. I’m also proud that she chose my work as part of her repertoire. H. Leslie Adams, Cleveland, Ohio October 22, 2008

My Croatian piano debut (with a little help from the Internet)

MARIA THOMPSON CORLEY 

“As a performing pianist, I was told that I should have a website. But I couldn’t afford one, so I got a page on Myspacemusic.com instead.” “One day I was visiting a fellow musician’s page when I spotted a picture that seemed to radiate life. I clicked on the image, listened to some gorgeous Bach and wrote a comment, the gist of which was that it was a pleasure to see and hear such a luminous spirit conveyed visually and aurally. I got a lovely message in return, and my correspondence with Ivana Marija Vidovic was born.

Ivana was in the process of organizing the first Epidaurus Festival, which consisted of 11 concerts held in Cavtat, near her hometown of Dubrovnik, Croatia. Based on my audio clips and our messages, she invited me to perform during the second festival, scheduled for a year after our online meeting. In return, I promised to try to get Millersville University, where I’m currently employed, to sponsor a visit from Ivana, who is scheduled to perform at Duke University in North Carolina in January 2009. I sent some e-mails to my Millersville colleagues, obtained the necessary commitments (which included covering my airfare to Europe) and reserved space in the hall. [Full Post] [H. Leslie Adams (b. 1932) is profiled at AfriClassical.com]

Works of H. Leslie Adams, Henry T. Burleigh & Margaret A. Bonds on Gerald J. Blanchard CD

Henry Thacker Burleigh's Ev'ry Time I Feel De Spirit, Margaret Allison Bond's The Negro Speaks of Rivers, and H. Leslie Adams' Prayer (From the Song Cycle "Night Songs") are among the works found on a new recording, With A Song In My Heart, Blue Griffin Records BGR 117. Each of these African American composers is profiled at AfriClassical.com The website of the record label includes the Liner Notes.

BlueGriffin.com:
“Gerald Blanchard, lyric baritone is a native of Philadelphia Pennsylvania. He is the Director of Vocal Music at Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek (MI). He most recently served on the voice faculties of The University of Michigan at Flint, Michigan State University Community Music School, Adrian College and was the Director of youth choral activities and voice faculty at the Darlington Fine Arts Center and Women's Choir director and voice faculty member at the Suburban Music School in Pennsylvania. At present, Mr. Blanchard is the Director of Music at the First Presbyterian Church of Lansing Michigan, where he also serves as conductor of the Chancel choir.” The recording also features Sergei Kvitko and Dominic Dousa on piano.

Henry T. Burleigh: Ev'ry Time I Feel De Spirit
Traditional/Blanchard: Witness For Ma Lord
Margaret Allison Bonds: The Negro Speaks Of Rivers
Arr. By Moses Hogan: Give Me Jesus
Dominic Dousa: Six Songs On The Poetry of Langston Hughes; The Dream Keeper, Mother to Son, Beggar Boy, As I Grew Older, Ma Lord, Judgment Day
Cecil Cohen: Death Of An Old Seaman
Robert Owens: Genius Child (From the Song Cycle “Mortal Storm”)
H. Leslie Adams: Prayer (From the Song Cycle “Night Songs”)
Dominic Dousa: With A Song In My Heart (Text by Gerald J. Blanchard); A Letter From God, Music in the Air, Youngblood