New World Records Releases 'Scott Joplin Treemonisha' by Paragon Ragtime Orchestra

[Scott Joplin Treemonisha; Paragon Ragtime Orchestra; New World Records 80720-2 (2011)]

Scott Joplin is featured at AfriClassical.com on a recently-revised page based on the biography by Prof. Susan Curtis, Dancing To A Black Man's Tune: A Life of Scott Joplin. Scott Joplin Treemonisha is available on CD and can be downloaded on iTunes:

NewWorldRecords.org

ALBUM DETAILS

Scott Joplin: Treemonisha

Composer: Scott Joplin

Album Title: Scott Joplin Treemonisha

Catalog Number 80720 (2 CDs)

Genre: Classical / Opera

Release Date 12/2011

“Description:

Anita Johnson, AnnMarie Sandy, Edward Pleasant, Frank Ward, Jr., Chauncey Packer Todd Payne, Robert Mack, Janinah Burnett, Darren Stokes

“The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra and Singers

Rick Benjamin, conductor

“World-premiere recording of the first-ever historically authentic orchestration of this “Sleeping Beauty of American Music” by Rick Benjamin

“Scott Joplin’s (1867–1917) opera Treemonisha is an astounding work of art, and one that resonates on many levels. It is the only opera in existence about the Reconstruction Era African-American experience written by a black man who actually lived through it. This fact alone makes Treemonisha a work of tremendous significance. Further, Joplin’s music is profoundly expressive and as stylistically unique as anything ever created in America. There is nothing remotely comparable to it. And through his score and libretto, Joplin vividly documented a culture that has left us few other artifacts: The echoes of the “field hollers,” spirituals, fiddle tunes, revival hymns, and ancient African dances of his rural childhood are all heard, as are the spoken dialects of his people rising up from slavery. Further, Treemonisha is a statement of deep racial pride and an act of true artistic heroism—the creation of beauty in the face of almost unbearable ignorance, racism, poverty, and physical and emotional pain.”

Anita Johnson, Paragon Ragtime Orchestra & Cheyney U. Concert Choir in Scott Joplin's 'Treemonisha' April 21

[Anita Johnson; Paragon Ragtime Orchestra in Treemonisha]

Cheyney University

“Scott Joplin's Treemonisha

Time: 8:00 PM – TBA

Date: Thursday, April 21

Location: Marian Anderson Music Center

Description: Metropolitan Opera soprano Anita Johnson joins members of the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra and the Cheyney University Concert Choir in a concert performance of 'Treemonisha' with a new orchestration by Rick Benjamin. General admission: $30”

BravoBroadway.com
Anita Johnson

“A native of Ypsilanti, Michigan, Anita Johnson received a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from the University of Southern California and a Master of Music in Voice Performance as well as K-12 Music Certification from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. After graduating from the University of Michigan, Ms. Johnson became a member of Opera Music Theatre International under the direction of Jerome Hines, performing extensively throughout New Jersey. An elementary school teacher in the New Jersey Public School system and a pre K-12 teacher at the Harlem School of the Arts, she has created many performance opportunities for children, including children’s operettas and a multi-media performance of international music. Under the auspices of the Virginia Opera Company, Ms. Johnson created and performed a unique one-woman show entitled 'ABC’S: American Black Composers’ Contributions to Our Musical Heritage ©.'”

NewWorldClassics.com

“Scott Joplin’s opera, TREEMONISHA featuring Rick Benjamin’s Paragon Ragtime Orchestra”

“Joplin’s masterpiece is an optimistic snapshot of an African-·American community’s emergence from slavery. Led by the young woman Treemonisha, the townspeople reject the local conjurers’ superstitions, in favor of hard work and learning. The musical style speaks directly to modern audiences - from heartfelt arias to rousing ragtime choruses, and Joplin’s score snaps to rhythmic life in Rick Benjamin’s new, historically-informed orchestration. The production, originally from Opera Memphis, is a brightly-colored feast for the eyes. It has mostly traditional feel with some modern touches, with the emphasis on the characters’ human qualities.” [Scott Joplin (1868-1917) was a Ragtime and Classical composer who is profiled at AfriClassical.com]

Paragon Ragtime Orchestra: 'Scott Joplin and the Original Kings of Ragtime' Oct. 26

[Joplin: Piano Rags; Roy Eaton, piano; Sony SBK 833 (1995)]

Hesston.edu:

Paragon Ragtime Orchestra to open Hesston-Bethel Performing Arts Season

October 7, 2008

“Rick Benjamin's Paragon Ragtime Orchestra will open the 2008-09 Hesston-Bethel Performing Arts season with a 3 p.m. concert at Hesston Mennonite Church on Sunday, October 26. The Paragon Ragtime Orchestra (PRO) is the world's only year-round, professional ensemble re-creating 'America's Original Music' - the syncopated sounds of early musical theater, silent cinema, and vintage dance. Paragon Ragtime Orchestra's Hesston concert is titled 'Scott Joplin and the Original Kings of Ragtime.' It includes several works by Joplin as well as selections by John Phillip Sousa, Jerome Kern, George M. Cohan, W.C. Handy, and others. The program will end with the orchestra playing the score to a silent film as the film is projected on the sanctuary screen.”  [Full Post]  [Scott Joplin is profiled at AfriClassical.com]