One World Symphony Performs 'Nordic Lights' in Brooklyn March 4 and in Manhattan March 6

On Feb. 22, 2011 AfriClassical posted: “Sonya Headlam: 'Nordic Lights' features 'seldom-performed compositions by Finnish, Norwegian, and Swedish composers.'” One World Symphony sends the above updates on its performance of “Nordic Lights” in Brooklyn on March 4 and in Manhattan on March 6.

Leonarda Records Sells 'Kaleidoscope: Music by African-American Women' Online

[Kaleidoscope: Music by African-American Women; Helen Walker-Hill, piano and Gregory Walker, violin; Leonarda Records LE 339 (1995)]

March 1, 2011 was the first day of National Women's History Month 2011. In observance of the occasion, AfriClassical posted: “'Kaleidoscope: Music by African-American Women' is resource for National Women's History Month 2011.” We have since discovered that Leonarda Records sells the CD at its website. The order form is found at http://www.leonarda.com/shopper/catalog.php

Major credit cards are accepted, and the price is $15.99 plus shipping and handling. A number of music websites still sell the recording as well, but the website order form enables a customer to deal directly with the record label which issued Leonarda 339 (1995). The complete liner notes can also be read at the Leonarda Records website.

Detroit News: 'Classical Roots' concerts 'are now entirely the work of black composers.'

[The DSO’s Civic Jazz Orchestra is a youth ensemble that will perform Saturday. (DSO)]

Classical Roots concert changes venue, not mission

Lawrence B. Johnson

Special to The Detroit News

“It may not be the traditional Classical Roots concert, but the music will play on Saturday night at a gala black-tie dinner, sponsored by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, to honor the contribution of African-American composers to classical music.

“With the musicians of the DSO entering the fifth month of a strike, the longstanding Classical Roots concert has been relocated to the MGM Grand Detroit and reconceived as a Classical Roots Celebration — a gala dinner with short performances by the Brazeal Dennard Chorale, the DSO's youth ensemble called the Civic Jazz Orchestra and the independent Detroit Children's Choir.

“Revenue from the annual Classical Roots concerts supports special educational programs, such as the DSO's African-American Orchestral Fellowship Program, a mentoring opportunity for young professional musicians.”

“Making a guest appearance will be violinist-composer Daniel Bernard Roumain. This year's Roots event honors the late Brazeal Dennard, who was instrumental in organizing the annual concerts in the 1970s. Dennard, who died last July at age 81, founded his chorus in 1972 to promote the serious work of black composers, as well as the tradition of the spiritual. He saw in the Classical Roots idea a chance to create opportunities for black conductors, who were rarely seen on the podiums of major American orchestras.

"'That part of it changed, of course, when (the African-American conductor) Leslie Dunner came to the DSO (as resident conductor in 1987),' says Donald Robinson, executive director of the Brazeal Dennard Chorale and for many years a member of the ensemble. Dunner was succeeded as resident conductor by another African-American, Thomas Wilkins, who also took over as conductor of the Classical Roots concerts. After Wilkins' departure last year to devote more time to duties as music director of the Omaha Symphony and principal guest conductor of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, the DSO left the post of resident conductor unfilled.

"That has meant a return to African-American guest conductors, and under the DSO music directorship of Leonard Slatkin, the Classical Roots concerts — which for years offered as much Sibelius and Brahms as Adolphus Hailstork and Ulysses Kay — are now entirely the work of black composers.” “For the Classical Roots gala, the Brazeal Dennard Chorale will perform John Rosamond Johnson's 'Lift Every Voice and Sing' — often called the 'Negro national anthem' — and two spirituals, Dennard's own arrangement of 'Great Day' and 'O Freedom' in an arrangement by the group's current director, Augustus O. Hill.”

Classical Roots Celebration

6:30 p.m. Saturday

MGM Grand Detroit

1777 Third St., Detroit

Tickets $95-$150

Call (313) 576-5111

http://www.detroitsymphony.com

Deadline for Applications for ACT-SO of NAACP Beverly Hills/Hollywood is March 6, 2011

NAACP ACT-SO

John Malveaux submits this information:

What Is ACT-SO?

ACT-SO (Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics) is a major youth initiative of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) through which African-American and other minority youth can demonstrate academic, artistic and scientific prowess and expertise, thereby gaining the same recognition often reserved for entertainers and athletes.

The Beverly Hills/Hollywood Branch offers an ACT-SO yearlong enrichment program designed to recruit, stimulate, and encourage high academic and cultural achievement among African-American and other minority high school students. The program relies on the dedication and commitment of community, business leaders and celebrities who volunteer as mentors and coaches to promote academic and artistic excellence. Through this collaborative effort, participating students develop the confidence and skills needed to excel in school and in life.

The ACT-SO Competition Guidelines provides detailed instructions on how to present projects in each category of the competition. A copy of ACTSO Guidelines for students wishing to participate can be found on the website http://www.beverlyhillshollywoodnaacp.org.

Nathaniel Dett Chorale Presents Morehouse College Glee Club in North Toronto March 8, 2011

[Nathaniel Dett Chorale Presents Morehouse College Glee Club]

NathanielDettChorale.org

After a very successful Black History Month tour of the Northwest Territories, and well received performances of their presentation of Voices of the Diaspora...Haitian Voices, The Nathaniel Dett Chorale is moving into spring with a new project.

On March 8, 2011, the Chorale will present Morehouse College Glee Club at the Church of St. Timothy in North Toronto. Often compared to the historic Whiffenpoofs of Yale University, Morehouse College Glee Club is the crème de la crème of glee clubs – especially within the Black Ivy League universities in the United states.

The Morehouse College Glee Club was founded in 1911, and has a rich musical heritage. With many notable performances on their resume, including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s funeral, this outstanding group is now celebrating their 100th anniversary with a tour that includes their first Canadian performance.

Join The Nathaniel Dett Chorale for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the history, the spirit, and the amazing talent of this esteemed ensemble.

Date: Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Time: 8:00PM

Location: Church of St. Timothy; 100 Old Orchard Groce

Tickets: $25 – Box Office (416) 340-0550 or online at http://www.nathanieldettchorale.org

**participants of St. Timothy’s annual pancake supper will receive tickets at a discounted price of $15**

Pianist Richard C. Alston's 'Classically Black' at Kentucky State University Saturday, March 5, at 7:30 p.m.

[Richard C. Alston]

Patricia Terry Vansant, Executive Director of the Frankfort Arts Foundation, sends this release about "Classically Black" by pianist Richard C. Alston, which features composers who are featured at AfriClassical.com:

February 26, 2011

Richard Alston

“Music is an international language. The nature of music transcends the boundaries of the physical world and touches something deeper,” said virtuoso pianist Richard Alston.

Frankfort will have the opportunity to experience the beautiful music and masterful technique of this musician this week. Alston will perform in concert in Kentucky State University’s Bradford Hall on Saturday, March 5, at 7:30 p.m. Kentucky State University and the Frankfort Arts Foundation present this performance. He will teach a community master class at 1 p.m. Thursday in Bradford Hall for interested persons, community students and KSU students. Alston will perform, take questions and answers and discuss the book, “Creativity For Life: Practical Advice on the Artist’s Personality,” and “Career from America’s Foremost Creativity Coach” by Eric Maisel, Ph.D.

This event is a community partnership between the KSU Division of Fine Arts and the Frankfort Arts Foundation. Call 330-2773, 875-4ART or e-mail faf@dcr.net for further information regarding the concert or community master class. A distinguished pianist and educator, Alston will present “Classically Black: Composers of African Descent.” “The concert,” according to Alston, “is a labor of love and a tribute to the contributions people of color have made to the classical music genre throughout history.” He will perform and offer commentary on selections of music and composers spanning [1745] to present.

Alston was a musical advisor and consultant to a PBS documentary, “Classically Black,” that will feature piano compositions he will perform here. His program will include the following selections and composers: “Troubled Water” by Margaret Bonds, “Adagio in F Minor” by Chevalier De Saint Georges, “Basso Tuba Waltz, op. 5” by Blind Tom (Thomas Greene Bethune), “Maple Leaf Rag” by Scott Joplin, “Summerland” by William Grant Still, “The Bamboula” by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, “In The Bottoms” (Suite) by R. Nathaniel Dett, “Sonata No. 1” by George Walker, and “Fantasie Nègre” by Florence B. Price.

“Composers of African descent go all the way back to Mozart. Throughout history, they had to endure setbacks and roadblocks. The essence of music was buried so deep in their souls that, despite prejudice, they did not stop creating music. When one has something burning inside oneself and a passion so strong, you continue regardless,” said Alston.

After earning his bachelor’s degree from the prestigious Julliard School in New York City, Alston was awarded the Maria Guerra Judelson Scholarship in piano to return to Julliard. He later received his master’s degree from there. He then embarked on a career in both classical piano performance and performing arts education. His performance credits range from live opera and recitals to radio and television broadcasts.

Alston is presently an assistant professor of music and Essex County College in New Jersey. He is also a member of the faculty at Rutgers-Newark, a member of the Board of Music Advisors for Westminster Choir College’s Educational Opportunity Program, and a former member of the Music Advancement Program faculty of The Julliard School. He is also the founder of the Crossroads Music Academy in East Orange.

Comment by email:
Yesterday at dinner, Dr.Buck, chairperson of KSU Performing Arts and Ms. Vansant, director of Frankfort Arts, were thrilled when I informed them of "Africlassical" and the work you are doing. The music faculty and students will subscribe. Richard Alston

'Kaleidoscope: Music by African-American Women' is resource for National Women's History Month 2011

[Kaleidoscope: Music by African-American Women; Helen Walker-Hill, piano and Gregory Walker, violin; Leonarda Records LE 339 (1995)]

March is National Women's History Month 2011. Resources may be found at http://www.nwhp.org/ Kaleidoscope: Music by African-American Women is a 1995 CD which remains in print and which provides examples of works by 14 women of African descent. Brief sound samples of all of the tracks can be heard at the website of Leonarda Records. Three of the composers are featured at AfriClassical.com:

Margaret Allison Bonds (1913-1972) Troubled Water (4:52)

Irene Britton Smith (1907-1999) Sonata for violin and piano (15:07)

Florence B. Price (1887-1953) Fantasie Nègre (8:56)

Many of the remaining 11 composers have been featured on Africlassical; Regina Harris Baiocchi has been interviewed, and has also been featured numerous times:

Dorothy Rudd Moore (b. 1940)

Julia Perry (1924-1979)

Betty Jackson King (1928-1994)

Lettie Beckon Alston (b. 1953)

Undine Smith Moore (1904-1989)

Rachel Eubanks

Valerie Capers (b. 1935)

Lena Johnson McLin (b. 1929)

Regina Harris Baiocchi (b. 1956)

Dolores White

Nora Douglas Holt (1885-1974)

Comment by email:

Dear Bill: Thanks for remaining a beacon, champion, and resource for music by composers of African descent. Blessings on you and yours... Regina Harris Baiocchi

Patrick D. McCoy: Washington Chorus & CAAPA celebrate legacy of poet Langston Hughes with composer Elena Ruehr

[FROM TOP: Elena Ruehr, Stephen Salters, Langston Hughes]

"The African-American Voice in Classical Music" Patrick D. McCoy is pleased to support this magnificent collaboration:

The Washington Chorus partners with The Coalition for African-Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) to celebrate the legacy of beloved poet Langston Hughes with noted composer Elena Ruehr

WASHINGTON, D. C.-The Washington Chorus will sponsor a series of free lectures throughout the Washington, D. C. area in preparation for its special April 3rd concert at the National Presbyterian Church. This season’s Music for A New Age concert will feature several beloved literary works, including a musical setting of Langston Hughes’ poem “Gospel Cha Cha,” by noted composer Elena Ruehr. Music director Julian Wachner will conduct the Grammy® award winning Washington Chorus and orchestra with internationally acclaimed African-American baritone Stephen Salters featured as soloist. Salters most recently was presented in recital by Vocal Arts DC in the Terrace Theater at The Kennedy Center.

Committed to providing musical enjoyment to the entire community and the welcoming of diversity to its concert audiences, The Washington Chorus has partnered with the Coalition for African-Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) in selected lectures designed to provide additional educational opportunities from the African-American perspective. “Our goal is to expose the African American community to classical music in different ways”, stated Pamela T. Simonson, CAAPA Co-Founder with her brother musician Victor Simonson.

Representatives of the Coalition for African-Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) will be on hand to personally welcome the community at the following lectures:

Thursday, MARCH 10TH,

9:00 am – 10:00 am Howard University Department of Music

Childres Hall, Room 3001

2455 6th Street, NW

Washington, DC 20005

Info: 202-806-7095

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Maryland National Capital Park & Planning Commission MNCPPC - Harmony Hall Regional Center

Battersea Room

10701 Livingston Road

Fort Washington, MD 20744

Info: 301-203-6040

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm University of District of Columbia

Department of Performing Arts

4200 Connecticut Ave., NW

Fine Arts Building 46 West, Room A03

Washington, DC 20008

Info: 202-274-5803

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm Levine School of Music – Levine

THEARC (Town Hall Education Arts & Recreation Campus)

Recital Hall, 2nd Floor 1901 Mississippi Avenue SE

Suite 201 Washington, DC 20020 Info: 202-610-2036

FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2011

7:00 pm – 8:00 pm Clifton Park Baptist Church

Main Sanctuary

8818 Piney Branch Road

Silver Spring, MD

(Reception Immediately Following)

Info: 301-434-2456

The first thirty attendees at each lecture will receive FREE tickets to attend the upcoming concert performed by The Washington Chorus “New Music for a New Age” featuring Ruehr’s works including the Hughes poem along with other works by Emily Dickinson “Cricket, Spider, Bee” and “Averno”, a world premiere with text by Louis Gluck at National Presbyterian Church, Washington, DC on Sunday, April 3, 2011 at 5:00 pm. For complete listing of all lecture locations, please visit http://www.thewashingtonchorus.org or call the CAAPA offices at (301) 203-0929.

MontrealGazette.com: 'Barton Pine performed...William Grant Still's Suite for Violin and Piano.'

[Africa: Piano Music of William Grant Still; Denver Oldham, piano; Koch 3 7084 2H1 (1991)]

William Grant Still (1895-1978) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, where a complete Works List by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma is found. The Gazette of Montreal reviews a local concert by Rachel Barton Pine on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2011:

MontrealGazette.com

"Baroque beats modern in Barton Pine's hands

By WAH KEUNG CHAN, Freelance March 1, 2011

Known for her versatility in various genres, especially venturing into rock, the real Barton Pine came to the fore with Ravel's Violin Sonata in G major, which had jazz influences. From the beginning, we could hear the drive and intensity along with fine high soft tones. The second movement - marked Blues - compelled Barton Pine to strum, glide and pluck her instrument, all to good effect. The sonata's finale, Perpetuum mobile, sounded like a serialist pattern, taking on a faster tempo leading to a rousing end.

"For her encore, Barton Pine performed once again with a jazz influence in the energetic first movement of William Grant Still's Suite for Violin and Piano."

DemocratAndChronicle.com on Armenta Hummings: 'Local pianist recalls meeting Martin Luther King'

[ABOVE: Armenta Adams Hummings, right, with her mother, Estella, and brother, Elwyn. / Provided photo BELOW: Armenta Hummings shows a young student how to hold a violin bow during music lessons at the Arnett Blvd YMCA in 1995. / ANNETTE LEIN staff photographer file photo]

Democrat and Chronicle

Stuart Low

February 28, 2011

“When pianist Armenta Adams Hummings was 15, her mother invited two music lovers to their Boston home: Martin Luther King Jr. and his girlfriend, Coretta Scott. In 1952, Scott was an up-and-coming singer at New England Conservatory, where Hummings took piano lessons. King was a theology student at Boston University and already a charismatic civil rights crusader. 'We knew that King was a rising star and courting Coretta,' says Hummings, 74. 'I believe she had aspirations to be an opera singer, and he loved opera. We invited them to our house to give them our blessing and watch this remarkable union take place.'

“But she had a blunt question lined up for King. Even as a 15-year-old, she was fearlessly outspoken — a habit she kept later as a teacher for Rochester's Eastman School of Music. 'Everyone was nervous that he planned to go back south for his work, because they foresaw an immediate lynching,' she says. 'I asked him: “Why are you going back?” He told me: “Things have to be changed; I'm going back to change them.” I think he knew he was going to die — everyone knew it.'

“The outspoken teen went on to become an acclaimed concert pianist and a trailblazer in teaching minority students. In 1994, the Eastman School appointed her its distinguished community mentor. For the next 15 years, she taught music to some of Rochester's most disadvantaged children in churches, YMCAs and community centers. She was an imposing figure, often wearing a turban and 'peacock-colored' African-style dresses that she made herself. She approached pupils with humor and tough love, speaking their street lingo but refusing to coddle them. Her gospel was self-empowerment — which she learned not only from King but from her father, a factory worker and self-appointed preacher with the Christian Missionary Alliance.

"'My father built a house in Cleveland, brick by brick,' she says. 'No one did it for him. I never thought anything could happen unless I did it myself.' In that spirit, she founded in 1993 the Gateways Music Festival — a classical music showcase for African-American musicians. This biennial event will next be held Aug. 10-14 in Rochester. She retired from the festival and the Eastman School in 2009 and moved back to her family's home in Winston-Salem, N.C. But she kept concertizing and celebrated her 74th birthday by climbing Stone Mountain near Atlanta.”