[Reginald R. Robinson, pianist]
AfriClassical has posted a description of the Chicago Sinfonietta concert "A Dream Unfolds: Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr." Today we focus on the contribution of a pianist who is often associated with Ragtime but also works in the classical genre, Reginald R. Robinson of Chicago:
“In this beloved concert tradition, guest conductor Leslie B. Dunner joins Maestro Freeman and the Sinfonietta in paying tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Through a set of five works and multiple guest artists, this celebration will commemorate King’s legacy and allow listeners to reflect on King’s indelible mark on American history. The program features the neoclassical overture from Theater Set for Orchestra by Ulysses Kay; Pulitzer Prize-winner George Walker's Lyric for Strings; and Concerto for a Genius, arranged by Orbert Davis, featuring McArthur Foundation Genius Grant recipient Reginald Robinson on piano. The second part of the program will be highlighted by George Gershwin’s folk opera Porgy and Bess, arranged by Robert Russell Bennett and Leslie B. Dunner, where the Sinfonietta will be joined by guest vocalists Lisa Daltrius, Chauncey Packer, Donnie Ray Albert and the Chicago Community Chorus led by Keith Hampton.”
“In 2004 Reginald received a fellowship Grant from the John D. & Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation for his innovation in Ragtime music. Reginald released his fourth album Man Out of Time in 2006 and in the summer of 2007 he performed with Orbert Davis who arranged and conducted his Chicago Jazz Philharmonic Orchestra’s historical performance of "Concerto for a Genius" which consisted of four of Reginald’s original compositions from Reginald’s “Man Out of Time” album arranged for full orchestra.
In 2008 Reginald teamed with composer/arranger Kerwin Young who arranged two of Reginald’s original tunes for strings and flute. Reginald recently performed with Accessible Contemporary Music. A group led by pianist/composer/arranger Seth Boustead who scored three of Reginald’s original compositions for piano, strings and clarinet. Reginald's latest music project called "Reflections" is a three disc set which features audio and visual performances from Reginald of music that he composed over the last twenty years. Between recording, performing and composing, Reginald is at work on his most ambitious project, a documentary film about the history and development of ragtime music.”
A Dream Unfolds: Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Jan 15, 2011-Wentz Concert Hall -Naperville, IL
Jan-16, 2011-Dominican University -River Forest, IL
Jan-17, 2011-Orchestra Hall at Symphony Center -Chicago, IL
Comment by email:
Hi Bill, Thank you for posting this upcoming performance and for notifying me about it. Best wishes, Reginald
[Bruce Morton Wright, Director/Conductor, Erie Chamber Orchestra]
