AfriClassical

After Open-Heart Surgery, Measha Brueggergosman Receives Honorary Degree in Fredericton

2009-07-16T09:58:00.012-04:00

[“Measha Brueggergosman is rebounding after an emergency procedure to repair a dissected aorta, a rare and often fatal affliction.” (Photo: The Globe & Mail, Toronto, June 29, 2009)]

The African-Canadian soprano Measha Brueggergosman was the subject of a previous article by Sergio Mims,"EbonyJet.com Interviews African Canadian Soprano Measha Brueggergosman."
CBC News
CBC.ca/
“Canadian soprano Brueggergosman gets honorary degree”
Last Updated: Thursday, July 16, 2009
“Canadian soprano Measha Brueggergosman was in her hometown of Fredericton on Wednesday night to receive an honorary degree from St. Thomas University during its summer convocation. With the international opera star was one of her first voice instructors, Mabel Doak, who also received an honorary degree. The liberal arts university's convocation was planned as a time to celebrate the relationship between students and teachers.

“Brueggergosman, 32, said it meant a lot to receive the degree in her hometown, and with her teacher by her side. 'It’s all the more special that I get to receive it with Mabel Doak, who was a very important mentor for me in my early education, and is also a pillar of the Fredericton community,' she said. 'When I was studying with Mabel, it was really the beginning of my formation as an artist, as a student, as a teacher myself, as somebody who had hoped to be the very best at what I could do.'”

“Brueggergosman was awarded her degree based on her contribution to the arts. In June, she underwent emergency open-heart surgery to repair a torn aorta. She is under doctor’s orders to rest for at least a month, and three appearances with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra as well as a performance in Austria were cancelled. The internationally renowned opera star has won a Juno Award, and performed for the Queen and Nelson Mandela. She recently achieved a dramatic weight loss of about 150 pounds, which she said was a result of Bikram yoga.”

AfriClassical Interviews American Viola Society President Juliet White-Smith

2009-07-15T10:08:00.024-04:00

[“Fashionably Late: Juliet White-Smith Debuts!”; Centaur 2982 (2009)]

Juliet White-Smith, DMA, is Professor of Viola and Coordinator of String Chamber Music at the University of Northern Colorado. She is also the new President of the American Viola Society. Her first CD, released in May, is “Fashionably Late: Juliet White-Smith Debuts!”, Centaur 2982 (2009). It includes a world premiere recording of George Walker's “Viola Sonata.” The disc also features two works of Maurice Gardner: "Tricinium: Sonata for Solo Viola" and the "Suite for Violin and Viola." Finally, the composer Michael Colgrass is represented by his Variations for "Four Drums and Viola."

When we interviewed Juliet White-Smith yesterday, she had just returned home after performing at the “Bravo! Summer String and Keyboard Institute” at the University of Minnesota School of Music in Minneapolis. In less than two weeks, she will represent the American Viola Society at the "37th International Viola Congress” at Stellenbosch, South Africa. She and violist Tim Deighton will perform the premiere of a work by her U.N.C. colleague Prof. Paul Elwood, "Capricious Apparitions" for bowed banjo and two violas, with Elwood on bowed banjo.

This is the first installment of the interview:
Q. “I understand you're from Baton Rouge, is that right?”
A. “I am, born and raised, with a few years as a youngster moving around, but we ended up back there actually right before I started playing violin.”
Q. “About when was that?”
A. “That was when I was in fourth grade, about halfway through, I think it was in the second semester. I broke my arm in the Fall.”
Q. “In your fourth grade year you started the violin, and then you continued it for several years, right?”
A. “I did, through my undergraduate degree and actually through my first year of my Master's Degree.”

Prof. White-Smith explained that she received her Bachelor's of Music Degree in 1984 from Louisiana State University, then pursued a Master's Degree in Music at the University of Houston.
A. “The second year of my Master's, I decided.” “When I got to Houston I had the opportunity to hear some fabulous playing from my teacher there as well as in the Houston community. The viola section of the Texas Chamber Orchestra, I believe it was Bartok's Divertimento they were performing on a concert that I went to. I was just - I was stunned, I didn't know you could do that on a viola!”

“A month into my second year, I was taking hour-long viola lessons, hour-long violin lessons, and it just dawned on my, 'I love this!' I was having a blast!" "I was in my element and I found my voice basically.” “The range of the instrument just felt right and some of the technical things that I was struggling with on violin became easier on viola. I'm a tall person, got long limbs and I'm close to five-ten, and I felt cramped on the violin. On the viola I just was freer physically.”

American Composers Orchestra Presents Video of Tania León on Cuban Roots of 'Indigena'

2009-07-14T08:36:00.012-04:00

[Tania León]

As we have reported previously, the Afro-Cuban composer and conductor Tania Justina León will be a Guest Composer at Wellesley College from July 19 to August 2, 2009. A video portrait (1:45) was filmed previously and can be seen online now:
InstantEncore.com
American Composers Orchestra
Composer Portrait
Tania León
“Tania León speaks about her work, Indigena, and its relation to her Cuban roots. Performed on March 25, 2007 in Zellerbach Theater at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, Philadelphia, PA and March 26, 2007 in Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall, New York, NY. Conducted by ACO Conductor Laureate, Dennis Russell Davies.” “Filmed by Jeremy Robins. More info at
http://www.americancomposers.org”

'Incorrect Pleasures: Different but not disabled' Writes of Thomas 'Blind Tom' Wiggins

2009-07-13T19:54:00.017-04:00

[The Ballad of Blind Tom: Slave Pianist, America's Lost Musical Genius by Deirdre O'Connell; Overlook Press (2009)]

A blogger in Australia links to AfriClassical.com and other websites on the African American pianist and composer Thomas “Blind Tom” Wiggins (1849-1908):
IncorrectPleasures.blogspot.com – Different but not disabled
Monday, July 13, 2009
“Did you know that the first African-American person to perform at the White house was an autistic person?
I didn't know that. He was popularly known by the name Blind Tom Wiggins, and he was a black, blind autistic musical prodigy/savant who had an amazing talent for music and imitation of sounds. He wasn't just a human pianola, he could perform music brilliantly and he was also an accomplished composer. He was hugely popular and successful as a touring musical performer, but sadly he was also a slave, so his extraordinary talent made someone else rich. An Australian author, Deirdre O'Connell, has written a biography of Blind Tom, and you can hear her interviewed yesterday on Australian radio through the internet (see below). You Americans have some interesting history!"

"LoPresti, Linda (2009) Blind Tom: a lost musical genius. The Book Show. ABC Radio National. July 13th 2009.
http://www.abc.net.au/rn/bookshow/stories/2009/2621009.htm" [Full Post]
[A complete Works List for Thomas “Blind Tom” Wiggins has been compiled by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma and can be found at AfriClassical.com]

Amadeo Roldán, Afro-Cuban Composer Who Pioneered Classical Percussion, Born July 12, 1900

2009-07-11T19:49:00.017-04:00

[Centenario Natalicio de Amadeo Roldan (Centennial of Birth of Amadeo Roldan) Cuba Stamp 2000]

Amadeo Roldán was an Afro-Cuban composer, violinist, conductor and professor who is profiled at AfriClassical.com He was born in Paris to Cuban parents on July 12, 1900. Dr. Dominique-René de Lerma, Professor of Music at Lawrence University, has generously made his research entry on Amadeo Roldan available to this website. He points out that Roldán's full name was Amadeo Roldán y Gardes. He also tells us Roldán was only 5 years old when he began studying the violin. Roldán graduated from the Madrid Conservatory in 1916 after studying music theory and violin. He later took private lessons in composition from Conrado el Campo, according to Prof. De Lerma. The young musician also played the violin on tour in Spain. Prof. De Lerma continues: “He moved to Havana in 1919 and became a student of Pedro Sanjuan. In 1924 he became concertmaster of Havana's Orquesta Filarmonica and, following the death of Sanjuan, its conductor.”

Roldán's promotion to conductor of the Orquesta Filarmonica occurred in 1932. Suite de La Rebambaramba (8:56) and Rítmica V (2:42) were recorded on CD by the New World Symphony, conducted by Michael Tilson Thomas, Argo 436 737 2 (1993). In the liner notes Simon Wright appraises Amadeo Roldán's role in the classical music of Cuba: “An enthusiastic conductor and composer, Roldán put 'serious' Cuban music on the map by primarily bringing Afro-Cuban rhythms and sounds to the concert hall. They were the inspiration behind the ballet La Rebambaramba (1827-28), based on a scenario by Alejo Carpentier depicting Havana's low-life on the day of Epiphany in 1830.”

Carol J. Oja writes in her book “Making Music Modern: New York in the 1920s”, Oxford University Press (2000), that the Pan American Association of Composers performed works of Amadeo Roldán and other Latin American composers at its March 1929 concert in New York. The Tambuco Percussion Ensemble has recorded Roldán's Rítmica V (2:14) and Rítmica VI (2:00), both composed in 1930, on the CD Rítmicas, Dorian 90245 (1997). The liner notes compare these to Edgar Varése's Ionisation, another work which helped pioneer the percussion ensemble.

Amadeo Roldán
Afro-Cuban Composer
Classical Percussion Pioneer
La Rebambaramba
Orquesta Filarmonica
Born July 12, 1900

East Village History Project Links to “Thomas 'Blind Tom' Wiggins” at AfriClassical.com

2009-07-11T11:04:00.011-04:00

[Blind Tom, The Black Pianist-Composer: Continually Enslaved; Geneva Handy Southall; Scarecrow Press (2002)]

The “East Village History Project Blog” explores a part of New York City in which the African American pianist and composer Thomas “Blind Tom” Wiggins (1849-1908) lived for several years. This post links to the page on Wiggins at AfriClassical.com:
Friday, July 10, 2009
EVHP.blogspot.com
“The story of Thomas 'Blind Tom' Wiggins, former slave and musical genius
Thomas Greene Wiggins (1849-1908) was a former slave and indentured servant who began playing piano by the age of four and became one of the most celebrated musicians of the Civil War era. Thomas was born autistic and without sight on May 25, 1849 to Mungo and Charity Wiggins, two Georgia plantation slaves owned by Wiley Edward Jones. His family was sold soon after to Colonel James Neil Bethune, and Tom was 'thrown in as a bargain.' By all accounts, because of his disabilities, Thomas was treated like a 'household pet,' but Bethune's daughter Mary recognized talent in the young boy and became his first music teacher. Thomas learned fast and began performing publicly by the age of eight.”

“John G. Bethune had himself appointed Thomas's legal guardian on July 25, 1870, and soon moved to New York City to live with his new new wife, the owner of the boarding house where they lived (7 St. Marks Place). Over the following nine years, while living here on St. Marks Place, Thomas Wiggins studied music with Professor Joseph Poznanski, who wrote down and collected many of Thomas' original compositions.” [A complete Works List for Thomas “Blind Tom” Wioggins has been compiled by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma and can be found at AfriClassical.com]

Lecture on William Grant Still '...was when I got turned on to his incredible body of work.'

2009-07-11T09:14:00.020-04:00

[William Grant Still: Afro-American Symphony; Fort Smith Symphony; John Jeter, Conductor; Naxos 8.559174 (2005)]

The Guest Book at AfriClassical.com received this entry today: “What a great site! I was privileged to hear a lecture by Judith Still (William Grant Still's daughter) when I was at the University of Michigan in the mid-80s, and that was when I got turned on to his incredible body of work. Thanks for this wonderful resource - more people should learn about the huge body of compositions by our Black American classical musician colleagues. Thank you! Mark Benedyk, Chicago, IL”

The recorded repertoire of William Grant Still is about to increase, as AfriClassical posted on June 22, 2009: “Fort Smith Symphony Records Premieres of William Grant Still's 4^th & 5^th Symphonies on Naxos.” We wrote, in part: “Judith Anne Still recently informed AfriClassical of a forthcoming recording of music of her father, William Grant Still, by the Fort Smith Symphony, whose Music Director and Conductor is John Jeter.” “The new disc is also a Naxos American Classics CD, and will feature William Grant Still's Symphony No. 4 (Autochthonous) (1947), Symphony No. 5 (Western Hemisphere) (1945, 1958) and Poem, for orchestra (1944) (12:30).” [William Grant Still (1895-1978) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, where a complete Works List by Dr. Dominique-René de Lerma is also found]

AfriClassical.com Guest Book
William Grant Still
Symphony No. 4 (Autochthonous)
Symphony No. 5 (Western Hemisphere)
Poem for Orchestra
Still Premieres on 2009 Naxos CD

Early Registration Extended to Aug. 1 for 'Music and the Arts: Still Our Only Future'

2009-07-10T11:52:00.015-04:00

[William Grant Still (1895-1978); (Photo is the sole property of William Grant Still Music, and is used with permission.)]

Recently the hotel for the upcoming conference (formerly the Country Inn & Suites) changed its name to the Natchez Grand Hotel. Therefore, there has been a change in their Reservations phone number and their website address. This new information has been posted to the conference website, http://www.williamgrantstill.com. (If you have any difficulties with your “Music and the Arts” reservation, please ask for Leigh Anne Mason at the Natchez Grand Hotel for assistance.)

For those who might still be deciding to register, please note that the Early Registration date has been extended to August 1^st. See you in Natchez!

Lisa M. Headlee, Conference Director of Communication and Events
[William Grant Still (1895-1978) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, where a complete Works List by Dr. Dominique-René de Lerma is also found]

Marlon Daniel Conducts 'Piano Passions: Beethoven Concerti at Kaufman Center' Aug. 13

2009-07-09T20:03:00.020-04:00

ArtistWorld.org/
“Piano Passions: Beethoven Concerti at Kaufman Center”
“Beethoven's piano concerti are a testament to the composer’s enormous creativity and his undisputed place in the piano repertoire.” “On Thursday, August 13, 2009 7pm at Merkin Concert Hall (129 West 67^th Street NYC) The Piano Passions’ 2008/2009 pianists end their concert season with a collaboration with Ensemble du Monde, chamber orchestra, performing Beethoven’s concerti No. 3 Op. 37, 4 Op. 58 and 5 Op. 73 'Emperor'.” “Pianists Richard Dowling, Kimball Gallagher and Beatrice Long are the featured soloists. The orchestra, Ensemble du Monde, will be led by its Music Director and Conductor Marlon Daniel. General Admission: $35. Tickets are available at the Merkin Hall box office and also online at http://www.smarttix.com”

”Ludwig van Beethoven
Concerto No. 3 in C Minor Op. 37 – Richard Dowling
Concerto No. 4 in G Major Op. 58 – Kimball Gallagher

Concerto No. 5 in E-Flat Major Op. 73 “Emperor” – Beatrice Long”

“Piano Passions was established in 2005 as a concert series to increase public exposure of exceptional pianists. Exclusively run by the performers, it delights audiences with four to six concerts a year, featuring solo piano repertoire and a roster of outstanding musicians from all over the world.” “Founded in New York City in 2000 this dynamic young chamber orchestra, Ensemble du Monde (Ensemble of the World), was so named because of its representation of international musicians, currently representing over thirteen countries.” “Upcoming performances include a series of orchestral concerts dedicated to French composers from the 19^th through the 21^st centuries, "Current Concerti" a project that allows talented young composers to exhibit their newly created concertos in world première performances, concert performances of Bizet’s Carmen in Concert with some of the most talented up and coming stars of the opera world at Allice Tully Hall and a Zankel Hall début in collaboration with Opera Ebony.”

Piano Passions
Beethoven Concerti
Kaufman Center Aug. 13
Ensemble du Monde
Marlon Daniel
Merkin Concert Hall

2009 Sphinx Chamber Orchestra Tour Schedule

2009-07-09T10:42:00.016-04:00

Tour Expanded to Record Number of Stops!

Launching a second year of its history-making tour, the Sphinx Chamber Orchestra is returning to the national spotlight in venues across the country including a return to Carnegie Hall. Presenters nationwide have again affirmed the importance of diverse programs that help to build diverse audiences. Sphinx proudly announces our annual showcase of outstanding Sphinx artists that brings the top young artists of color to the forefront of our field.

"Building on the phenomenal success we've had during the inaugural Fall 2008 Tour, the 2009 SCO Tour allows us to share the incredible talent of our Competition alumni and underperformed masterpieces of Black and Latino composers," said Sphinx Founder and President, Aaron P. Dworkin. "This year the number of performances has grown by 50% due to positive reviews of the inaugural tour along with our continued success in building new artistic partnerships."

2009 Sphinx Chamber Orchestra Tour Schedule

9/13- Kobacker Hall, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH

9/15- E.J. Thomas Hall, University of Akron, OH

9/18- August Wilson Center for African American Culture, Pittsburgh, PA

9/20- Oberlin College Artist Recital Series, Oberlin, OH

9/24- The Porter Center for Performing Arts, Brevard College, Brevard, NC

9/27- North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, NC

9/29- Kilbourne Concert Series, Eastman School of Music, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY

10/2- Tri-Institutional Noon Recitals, Rockefeller University, New York, NY

10/5- Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA

10/7- Stern Auditorium, Carnegie Hall, New York, NY

10/21- California State University, Chico, CA

10/24- Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, Cerritos, CA

Last year, the Sphinx Chamber Orchestra along with the Harlem Quartet made a historic journey, marking the inaugural national tour in venues such as the Krannert Center, Detroit's Orchestra Hall, Harris Theatre and Carnegie Hall, reaching over 3,600 students during outreach sessions and concert audiences of 8,000. The tour garnered critical acclaim, including a rave review in The New York Times which described the performances as "passionate", "virtuosic", "excellent" and "elegant".

Drawn from alumni of the Sphinx Competition for young Black and Latino string players, the Sphinx Chamber Orchestra Tour continues to create new opportunities for talented young musicians of color. The Sphinx Chamber Orchestra Tour is made possible through a generous grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. Target is the National Sponsor of Musical Encounters-The Tour! providing educational engagement sessions at each SCO Tour stop. [Aaron P. Dworkin (b. 1970) is an African American violinist who is profiled at AfriClassical.com]

Sphinx Chamber Orchestra
Black & Latino String Players
2009 Tour
Sphinx Organization
Aaron P. Dworkin
Performances Up 50%

AllAfrica.com: 'African-Americans have proved their mettle as masters of this art form'

2009-07-08T10:13:00.022-04:00

Cue Online (Grahamstown)

Africa: African-American Ensemble Explodes
Jeff Brukman
8 July 2009
"The consummate artistry of Marcus Eley (clarinet) and Lucerne DeSa (piano) makes the African-American Celebration an event to be included in your festival diary. But, you will be disappointed if you are expecting a distinct, unique African-American composition idiom to appear. The works of the African-American composers on offer all fall within the ambit of the traditional western canon. This programme could have been composed by any competent western art music composer, situated anywhere in the world. In this sense the programme shows that African-Americans have proved their mettle as masters of this art form.

"That they deserve recognition and exposure as exponents of their craft – an unqualified yes, but it would be a fallacy to believe that their music stands out as an unusual contribution when measured against the international norm. Apart from arrangements of Deep River and Amazing Grace there was little else which bore a direct link to the African-American experience. This is possibly a creative gap in the American musical canon which needs exploration and codification.

"Homage to western art
Yet, what was on offer was a meaningful contribution to the tradition of western art music. Eley’s poignant homage to William Grant Still through a romantically crafted Romance brought a rapturous response from the sizable audience. This work suited Eley’s warm, radiant tone and highlighted his phenomenal breath control, wide dynamic range and evenly produced sound across the instrument’s entire spectrum. The festival is indeed fortunate to host such a master of the clarinet. DeSa’s pianism is out of the top drawer with her vast array of touches, huge dynamic vocabulary, exceptional control over nuances and phenomenal digital accuracy making her the ideal partner for this programme." [Full Post] [William Grant Still (1895-1978) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, where a complete Works List by Dr. Dominique-René de Lerma is also found.]

Marcus Eley, Clarinet
Lucerne DeSa, Piano
2009 National Arts Festival
South Africa
African American Composers
Western Art Music

Imani Winds: 2009 NANM Gala Artists in Concert, Monday, July 27, 7:30 PM

2009-07-07T19:52:00.009-04:00

The Imani Winds will be in concert in the Grand Ballroom, The Double Tree Hotel, Chicago Magnificent Mile, 300 East Ohio Street,Chicago, Il 60611 Ticket price: $35.00. Tickets may be purchased at http://www.nanm.org or at the Hyde Park Suzuki Institute, 5500 South Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637, on Mondays through Thursdays from 2:00 until 7:00 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Please call 773-643-1388 to confirm ticket availability. If ordering by mail, please make checks payable to NANM, Inc., and furnish a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Celebrating our 90th Anniversary in Chicago, “Our Hometown.” NANM (The National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc.) 11551 South Laflin Street, Post Office Box 45053, Chicago, IL 60643 773-568-3818 (Voice) 773-785-5388 (Fax)

NANM Holds Pre-Conference Benefit Concert in Chicago on Saturday, July 25 at 7:00PM

2009-07-07T19:28:00.005-04:00

NANM (The National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc.) celebrates its 90th Anniversary in Chicago, the city of its founding, from July 25-30, 2009. The annual meeting will be held at the DoubleTree Hotel Chicago Magnificent Mile, 300 East Ohio Street. President David E. Morrow has announced this year’s theme: “Tipping our hats to the past, rolling up our sleeves for the future.”

Festivities will begin with a pre-conference benefit concert for NANM on Saturday evening, July 25, at 7:00 p.m., featuring Donnie Ray Albert, baritone, and Marquita Lister, soprano, in “A Grand Night for Singing” with friends: Evan Bowers, tenor; Angela M. Brown, soprano; Alfreda Burke, soprano; Rodrick Dixon, tenor; Joseph Joubert, piano; Mark Rucker, baritone; Sadie Rucker, piano; and Louise Toppin, soprano. This evening of operatic arias, duets, musical theater excerpts, and spirituals will take place at Greater Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church, 5301 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago. Tickets to this event may be purchased at http://www.nanm.org/ or at the Hyde Park Suzuki Institute, 5500 South Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, on Mondays through Thursdays from 2:00 until 7:00 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Please call 773-643-1388 to confirm availability.

National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc. Celebrates 90th Anniversary in Chicago July 25-30

2009-07-07T13:59:00.011-04:00

[David Morrow, D.M.A., Associate Professor of Music at Morehouse College, is President of The National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc.]

NANM (The National Association of Negro Musicians, Inc.) celebrates its 90th Anniversary in Chicago, the city of its founding, from July 25-30, 2009. The annual meeting will be held at the DoubleTree Hotel Chicago Magnificent Mile, 300 East Ohio Street. President David E. Morrow has announced this year’s theme: “Tipping our hats to the past, rolling up our sleeves for the future.”

Festivities will begin with a pre-conference benefit concert for NANM on Saturday evening, July 25, at 7:00 p.m., featuring Donnie Ray Albert, baritone, and Marquita Lister, soprano, in “A Grand Night for Singing” with friends: Evan Bowers, tenor; Angela M. Brown, soprano; Alfreda Burke, soprano; Rodrick Dixon, tenor; Joseph Joubert, piano; Mark Rucker, baritone; Sadie Rucker, piano; and Louise Toppin, soprano.

This evening of operatic arias, duets, musical theater excerpts, and spirituals will take place at Greater Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church, 5301 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago. General Admission is $35/$25 seniors and students. Tickets to this event may be purchased at http://www.nanm.org or at the Hyde Park Suzuki Institute, 5500 South Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, on Mondays through Thursdays from 2:00 until 7:00 p.m., and on Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Please call 773-643-1388 to confirm availability.

The conference officially opens on Sunday, July 26, with a Mass Meeting at 3:00 p.m. at First Baptist Congregational Church, 1613 West Washington Boulevard, Chicago. Admission is FREE and the public is invited to attend. In the evening, the annual national scholarship competition will take place at the DoubleTree Hotel at 7:30 p.m. This year’s instruments are winds and mallet percussion.
Musically yours,
Barbara Wright-Pryor
President
Chicago Music Association,
Branch No. 1, NANM Inc. (since 1919)
(A 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization)

Vice President
Advisory Council, South Shore Cultural Center
NANM 90th Anniversary
Chicago July 25-30, 2009
Barbara Wright-Pryor, President
Chicago Musical Association
Imani Winds
Louise Toppin

Southwest Chamber Music Festival: William Grant Still’s 'Four Indigenous Portraits' Aug. 8 & 9

2009-07-07T10:41:00.013-04:00

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

CultureSpotLA.com
“Chamber Music With Art in the Gardens July 6, 2009 By Julie Riggott Category: Classical Music and Opera
Gorgeous music? Check. Award-winning musicians? Check. Incredible garden setting? Check. Seats close enough to hear every note? Check. Southwest Chamber Music's Summer Festival at the Huntington has it all. The Grammy-winning ensemble plays classic and contemporary chamber music with precision and heart in the intimate Huntington Art Gallery loggia. Both players and audience are surrounded by sculpture and a lush green landscape. Lawn tickets are available for those who prefer to spread out a blanket and watch the stars twinkle in the gradually darkening evening sky. During intermission, patrons are invited to explore the adjacent Beaux-Arts mansion and its impressive European art collection, which includes the famous Thomas Gainsborough’s “Blue Boy” and Thomas Lawrence’s “Pinkie” paintings. Those looking for a complete sensory experience can dine at the Tea Room before the concerts. The four-concert festival runs July 11 through Aug. 23. Too bad summer isn’t a couple months longer.”

SWMusic.org
Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 8 and 9
William Grant Still’s “Four Indigenous Portraits for Flute and String Quartet”
Heitor Villa-Lobos’ “Jet Whistle for Flute and Cello”
Alberto Ginastera’s “Impresiones de la Puna for Flute and String Quartet”
Maurice Ravel’s String Quartet

[William Grant Still (1895-1978) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, where a complete Works List by Dr. Dominique-René de Lerma is also found. The entry on Four Indigenous Portraits for flute & string quartet indicates the duration is 10:00, and lists the movements: 1. North American Negro; 2. South American Negro; 3. South American Indian; 4. North American Indian.]
Southwest Chamber Music
Summer Festival
William Grant Still
African American Composer
Four Indigenous Portraits
Flute & String Quartet

African American Harpist Brandee Younger at New York City's Nabi Art Gallery 8:00 PM July 16

2009-07-06T10:07:00.016-04:00

[Brandee Younger; Photo Credit: BrandeeYounger.com]

Rashida Black, Executive Director of The Myrtle Hart Society, writes in the July issue of its eNewsletter that African American harpist Brandee Younger will perform at the second concert of The Encore Music Forum, “Thursday, July 16, 2009 at 8:00 PM at the Nabi Art Gallery located at 137 W 25th St, New York NY, 10001.” The following are excerpts from the harpist's website:

BrandeeYounger.com
“A versatile musician who has been proven to defy genres and labels, this young harpist has created a unique niche in both traditional and non-traditional harp arenas. Performing mainly on a concert grand classical harp, Ms. Younger is often heard performing jazz, classical and hip-hop in a seemingly effortless manner.” “As a classical harpist, she has performed with an array of orchestras including the Eastern Connecticut Symphony, Soulful Symphony, Ensemble Du Monde, Camerata New York and the Red Bull Artsehcro, a 'non-conformist' orchestra.”

“A native of Long Island, Ms. Younger grew up in Hempstead and Uniondale, where she began her harp studies as a teen. She earned her Bachelor of Music in Harp Performance and Music Business at The Hartt School of the University of Hartford, and her Master of Arts in Harp Performance from New York University. Her formal instructors on the University level include harpists Rebecca Flannery, Susan Jolles, Emily Mitchell, and bassist, Nat Reeves. Currently, she resides in Manhattan where she freelances as a soloist, and performs as part of The Workman String Summit, led by bassist, Reggie Workman, and the Laura Kahle Quintet, led by composer and trumpeter, Laura Kahle. Ms. Younger teaches privately in New York and is on the harp faculty of the Hartt School Community Division, at the University of Hartford in Connecticut.”
Brandee Younger
African American Harpist
Soulful Symphony
Ensemble du Monde
Hartt School
Master of Arts in Harp Performance

'Missed Opportunities' Is Work In Progress of Kenyan Composer Timothy K. Njoora

2009-07-04T19:25:00.012-04:00

[Prof. Timothy K. Njoora, DMA]

On Nov. 22, 2007, AfriClassical posted “Dr. Timothy K. Njoora, Composer, 'claiming Kenya's place in the world of concert music'”. Dr. Caleb Okumu Chrispo of the Department of Creative and Performing Arts at Kenya's Maseno University had informed us: “The most active Kenyan Composer at the moment is Dr. Timothy Njoora.” Dr. Njoora, a Senior Lecturer, told us: “I am currently working at Kenyatta University in the Department of Music and Dance. I studied Music, Composition and Music Education at Barrington College, Rhode Island, BA (1980) in Music and in Mississippi College, Clinton, Mississippi for my M. Mus, 1983 (Music Education).” “In the year 2000, I graduated with a Doctor of Musical Arts (Music Education and Composition) degree from University of Oregon.” We listed three of his songs; “Re-Union, For Solo Violin & Piano Accompaniment”; and "Mt. Kenya Passage" For Brass Quintet.

Dr. Timothy K. Njoora is now Chairman of the Department of Music and Dance at Kenyatta University. On July 1, 2009 he replied to an inquiry about his recent activities, other Kenyan composers, and performances in Kenya of music of composers of African descent: “It is indeed nice to hear from you and to also know you are actively engaged in 'Blog' reports on African Art music. All the best to you in this very noble venture. Since we communicated last time I have (or continue to work) on several pieces. For example currently I am working on a voice/Oboe/Bass Guitar/Piano piece entitled 'Missed Opportunities' which essentially laments the constant loss of many career and job opportunities among young people. I am also working on a lullaby from South Africa where I have visited a couple of times and earlier on I was working on a piece 'He That Believes in Me.' As you can imagine I work all the time and I seem to always have 'works in progress.' My other mission is to find ways to make what I have composed and is performed accessible to audiences, at least here in Kenya.

"With regard to Music by other Kenyan composers, I will make an effort to provide what information I may have on the subject as soon I am able to do so. There are indeed some Kenyan composers who are actively involved in 'Art Music.' And on the question of performances of works by African/Diaspora composers, I have to say in this regard we are fairly uneventful. Part of the reason is that music concerts are privately organized by European visitors and organizers who live in Kenya (temporarily or for longer periods) and there is no not so much effort to reflect on such works. For now stay well and best of luck with your 'blog' activities. Timothy K. Njoora, D.M.A.”
Dr. Timothy K. Njoora
Kenyan Classical Composer
Kenyatta University
Chairman, Dept. of Music and Dance
Missed Opportunities
Europeans Organize Concerts

Julius Williams Conducts 'Trilogy: An Opera Company' in Joplin's 'Treemonisha' in Newark Aug. 1

2009-07-04T09:08:00.013-04:00

Sinfonia Trilogy
Julius WILLIAMS Conductor
Chuck PATTERSON Stage Director
Kevin MAYNOR Artistic Director

Starring
Janinah BURNETT
(as Treemonisha)
Robert MACK
Geraldine MCMILLIAN
Kevin MAYNOR
Raemond MARTIN
With
Newark City Ballet
Dance Theatre of Irvington

Trilogy: An Opera Company Focuses on the works of Black Composers as well as works reflective of the Black Experience using artists across the world.......announcing...

Treemonisha by Scott Joplin
Aug. 1, 2009....8PM
246 18th ave Newark, NJ (Central H.S.)
Central Theatre
Special Thanks To Danny Glover!!!

[Julius Penson Williams (b. 1954) is an African American composer, conductor and professor. He is profiled at AfriClassical.com, and his own website is http://www.juliuspwilliams.com]
Trilogy: an Opera Company
Scott Joplin's Treemonisha
Julius Williams, Conductor
Kevin Maynor, Artistic Director
Newark City Ballet
August 1, 2009 Newark

Cellist Lenae A. Harris Performs 'Incantations for Laptop and Cello' at Cornelia St. Cafe July 18

2009-07-03T15:52:00.017-04:00

[Lenae A. Harris]

Chris Becker sends AfriClassical this press release:
July 18, 2009
6pm
Cornelia St. Cafe
New York City
“Incantations for Laptop and Cello”
Chris Becker, Laptop
Lenae A. Harris, Cello
$10 cover
“A set of composed and improvised incantations for laptop and cello recombining dub, classical, ambient, and hip-hop music into a seductive flow.”
“Composer Chris Becker lives and works in Long Island City, Queens, New York, composing, arranging and recording music for a wide variety of solo and collaborative projects including music for dance, mixed-media installations, and film. Most recently, he composed an original industrial/classical score for choreographer Sasha Soreff’s The Other Shoe which ran four nights at the Ailey Citigroup Theater.”

MySpace.com/cataclysmicsounds
“Cellist, pianist, composer, and producer Lenae A. Harris began her music career at the age of six, studying piano with Ryna Krysiak in her hometown of Chicago. She later, at age eleven, added the cello to her arsenal, studying with Elizabeth Anderson at the Merit School of Music where she had the rare opportunity to perform in a master class with cellist Yo-Yo Ma. As a young protégé, she performed in several orchestras and chamber ensembles, including Chicago Teen Ensemble, Protégé Philharmonic, Classical Symphony Orchestra, Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra, and the Greenwich Village Orchestra. Along with performing, Lenae had a strong desire to score for film and added it to her studies, earning both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Music Composition. Most recently, she composed for and performed in the upcoming film, Colored Frames, directed by Lerone Wilson (http://www.boondogglefilms.net/coloredframes/), and produced the songs 'Get Live' and 'Anything You Ask For' for hip-hop artist Game on his recent CD release G.A.M.E.”
Lenae A. Harris
African American Cellist
Incantations for Laptop & Cello
Chris Becker, Composer
Cataclysmic Sounds
Colored Frames

Phoenix Park-Kim & Merwin Siu Play Ellis Marsalis, David Baker & R. N. Dett 'Live From FM 91' July 10

2009-07-02T22:28:00.016-04:00

[Top: R. Nathaniel Dett; Center: David N. Baker; Bottom: Ellis Marsalis]

“Live From FM 91” On Toledo Public Radio and Streamed Online 10:00 A.M. Eastern Time
The WGTE Program Guide describes “Live From FM 91”: “Join Classical Music Director, Brad Cresswell, for conversation and live music with some of the area's finest musicians.” The program will be heard Friday, July 10 at 10:00 A.M. Works by three African American Composers will be performed by Merwin Siu, Second Violin with the Toledo Symphony, and Dr. Phoenix Park-Kim, Assistant Professor of Piano, Indiana Wesleyan University. The works, to be released on a CD in the near future, are:

"Ethnic Variations on a Theme of Paganini" by David Baker (b. 1931)
Movement from "Cinnamon Grove" by R. Nathaniel Dett (1882-1943)
“The Fourth Autumn” by Ellis Marsalis (b. 1934)
[R. Nathaniel Dett is profiled at AfriClassical.com, where Phoenix Park-Kim's world premiere recording of Dett's “Cinnamon Grove” can be sampled.]
Live From FM 91
Merwin Siu, Violin
Phoenix Park-Kim, Piano
The Fourth Autumn, Ellis Marsalis
David N. Baker
Cinnamon Grove, R. Nathaniel Dett

Scott Joplin's 'Treemonisha' Performed For 36th Anniversary of Independence of Bahamas

2009-07-02T10:09:00.011-04:00

TheNassauGuardian.com
Opera at the Dundas
By THEA RUTHERFORD ~ Guardian National Correspondent:
“'Treemonisha,' an opera written by the African American composer Scott Joplin featuring the sounds of ragtime, comes to life on stage at the Dundas for the nation's 36th birthday. Courtesy of Dr. Cleveland Williams, the operatic singer who recently returned home with a passion to give back to society, Treemonisha will unfold during a four-night run at the Dundas from July 6 - 8 and 11. The opening night's proceeds are in aid of the Sir Victor Sassoon Heart Foundation.

“Written and composed by Joplin in 1910, Treemonisha tells in music and dance the story of a young woman in a village of former slaves who triumphs over ignorance to teach her fellow villagers the importance of education. The opera combines sub-themes of mysticism with its witch doctor characters; love and family relationships with the bond between Treemonisha and her parents Ned and Monisha and even a bit of secrecy in a startling discovery to create a story with as much entertainment as didactic value. Williams, who calls himself the architect of a production he credits his extensive cast for bringing together, says that the opera's themes are universal and, in its focus on education, also tie in with the liberation of Independence.”

“Similarly in the opera, he points out, 'Treemonisha, being the heroine of the opera, leads the state of ex slaves to strive for something bigger and better and to educate themselves.' The opera's all-Bahamian cast is already a leap forward for those involved. The cast includes a host of local actors and singers, including Candice Bostwick and Nikita Wells Thompson, who will both play Treemonisha and Portia Barnett and Lillian Bastian, who play Monisha. The cast further consists of the National Dance Company of The Bahamas, with pieces choreographed by artistic director Robert Bain, and an orchestra that includes members of the Royal Bahamas Police Force Band.” [Full Post] [Scott Joplin (1868-1917) was a Ragtime and Classical composer and pianist of African descent who is profiled at AfriClassical.com]
Opera Treemonisha
Scott Joplin
Independence of Bahamas
Cleveland Williams baritone
National Dance Company
Royal Bahamas Police Force Band

Harpist Mariea Antoniette In Ravel's 'Bolero' & 'Symphonic Renditions' of Ellington in L.A. July 29

2009-07-01T16:57:00.013-04:00

[Sexy Paradise; Mariea Antoniette, harp; Maasai Records (2002)]

Rashida Black is Founder/Executive Director of The Myrtle Hart Society, dedicated to classical musicians of color. Its July 2009 eNewsletter features this article, presented here in part:
“L.A. Hear: Mariea Antoniette
After rehearsing for a concert one afternoon on Long Island, one of the major donors approached me and said, 'I have a question to ask--and I don't mean to offend you in any way, but I have been sponsoring orchestras across the country for more than 30 years now, and I wonder why I don't see many harpists of color. In my 30 years of sponsoring, you have the second one I've seen. Why is that?' This excerpt from an article entitled 'beyond color: encouraging ethnic balance within the harp community' by harpist Brandee Younger appeared in the May/June edition of Harp Column magazine.

“The article goes on to list the variety of styles and genres performed by harpists of color. One such harpist breaking down stereotypes is Mariea Antoniette. Don't let the name fool you. Mariea Antoinette is a new age classical harpist, producer and spoken word artist, who has performed for several of the worlds' top dignitaries and entertainers around the continental united states, such as President Obama, Colin Powell, Ivana Trump and Tavis Smiley. In addition to performing with several of music greats in the Jazz and R&B community, Ne-Yo, Mary J. Blige, Kanye West and Jamie Foxx.

“Her TV performances include the BET Music Awards and, MTV Music Awards. This versatile artist is a teacher, mentor and ongoing student of the art of music and technique.” “She has produced the CDs: Mariea Antoinette Solo Harp, Warrior Princess and Sexy Paradise, which blends smooth jazz and R&B classics. Introduced to the harp at the age of 16, Mariea has studied and been mentored in her classical and contemporary repertoire by some of the best while training Russian Harpist Eleana Masheocova and Dr. Carol Mc Laughlin, Paul Hurst and Carol Robbins.”

“This month, Mariea performs with the Southeast Symphony Orchestra and Chorus in Los Angeles for the end of the season concert. Charles Dickerson, music director and Conductor, Performing 'Bolero' by Maurice Ravel and Symphonic Renditions of favorite compositions of Edward Kennedy 'Duke Ellington'. Walt Disney Concert Hall at 3:00pm. Tickets start at 35.-75.00. July 19, 2009.”
Mariea Antoniette
African American Harpist
Sexy Paradise
Ravel's Bolero
Symphonic Rendition of Ellington
Southeast Symphony

Kenneth Amis, African American Composer, Tuba Player and Member of Empire Brass

2009-06-30T09:09:00.013-04:00

[Kenneth Amis, Tuba, With Fellow Members of Empire Brass; Solo Eclipse; MIT Wind Ensemble; Kenneth Amis, tuba; Bill McHenry, tenor saxophone; Amis Musical Circle AMC-CD-050 (2008)]

EmpireBrass.com
“Kenneth Amis was born and raised in Bermuda. He began playing the piano at a young age and upon entering high school took up the tuba and developed an interest in performing and writing music. A Suite for Bass Tuba, composed when he was only fifteen, marked his first published work. A year later, at age sixteen, he enrolled in Boston University where he majored in composition. After graduating from Boston University he attended the New England Conservatory where he earned a Master's degree in composition. Mr. Amis has been commissioned to write for the annual Cohen Wing opening at Symphony Hall in Boston, The Massachusetts Instrumental Conductors Association, the Belmont High School Band, Gardener High School Band, the New England Conservatory Wind Ensemble and the College Band Directors National Association.

“As a tuba player Mr. Amis has performed as a soloist with the English Chamber Orchestra and has been a member of the Tanglewood Festival Orchestra and the New World Symphony Orchestra. He has served on the faculties of Lynn University, Boston University, Boston University Tanglewood Institute and the Pacific Music Festival in Japan. Mr. Amis is presently the tuba player of the Empire Brass, a Performing Artist for Besson tubas, a composer for Boosey & Hawkes Publishing and holds the International Brass Chair at the Royal Academy of Music in London. For more information about obtaining arrangements, transcriptions and compositions by Kenneth Amis visit the Amis Musical Circle web site. (http://www.AmisMusicalCircle.com)”

“The Empire Brass enjoys an international reputation as North America's finest brass quintet, renowned for its brilliant virtuosity and the unparalleled diversity of its repertoire. The five musicians - all of whom have held leading positions with major American orchestras - perform over 100 concerts a year in cities such as New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington, London, Zurich and Tokyo.” “The Empire Brass is the first brass ensemble to win the prestigious Naumberg Chamber Music Award.”
Kenneth Amis
African American Tuba Player
Bermuda Native
Empire Brass
Solo Eclipse
Amis Musical Circle

Comments From 'American Legacy' Editor and Author on Antonín Dvořák & Henry T. Burleigh

2009-06-27T10:53:00.016-04:00

[Deep River: Songs and Spirituals; Oral Moses, bass-baritone; Ann Sears, piano; Troy 332 (1999)]

AfriClassical recently posted: “American Legacy: 'A Czech In The Land Of Spirituals' on Antonín Dvořák & Henry T. Burleigh”. We brought the post to the attention of Adina Williams, author of the article which prompted the post, and we sent a Letter to the Editor of American Legacy, Audrey Peterson:
“Dear Editor, When my copy of American Legacy Magazine arrived I was immediately drawn to the compelling article by Adina Williams, "A Czech In The Land Of Spirituals". Henry T. Burleigh is one of the Composers of African Descent who are profiled at my website, AfriClassical.com. I have posted excerpts from the article on my blog:
http://africlassical.blogspot.com/2009/06/american-legacy-czech-in-land-of.htm
The article does a great service to the memory of Henry Burleigh and deserves to be widely read. Sincerely, William J. Zick, Ann Arbor, MI”

American Legacy Editor Audrey Peterson responded:
“Dear Mr. Zick, Thank you for such kind words; I've forwarded your e mail to the author, who is thrilled, to say the least. I've looked at your blog and thank you for bringing the article to the attention of your readers. Henry Burleigh does deserve wider attention! Best wishes, Audrey Peterson”

Adina Williams replied as well:
Dear Bill, Much appreciated! Dvorak has been such an obsession of mine. All the fascinating connections with Burleigh, Duke, Sissieretta... Hope it sheds some light. It seems to have opened up some interesting dialogue, as I am getting some heartfelt, soul-searching responses. Look forward to reading your work, as well. I will alert folks to your wonderful website and blog. May I include you on my Jazz List? Again-thanks for your kind words, Adina
Adina Williams
Promotion Executive, Jazz & Standards
Boosey & Hawkes - Publisher
[Editor's Note: Boosey & Hawkes publishes the Simrock editions of Antonín Dvořák and Johannes Brahms; works of Jazz composers such as Wynton Marsalis, Charles Mingus and Chick Corea; and those of Classical composers including Igor Stravinsky, Aaron Copland, Leonard Bernstein, John Adams and Steve Reich.]

Pianist Richard C. Alston Has Arensky CD & Performs African American Composers on YouTube

2009-06-26T11:16:00.013-04:00

[Anton Arensky: Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 2; Twelve Etudes for Piano, Op. 74; Etude Op. 36, No. 13; Etude Op. 25, No. 3; Richard Alston, piano; Czech National Symphony Orchestra, Paul Freeman, conductor; Centaur Records CRC 2307 (1997)]

The African American pianist Richard C. Alston has performed widely in the United States and Europe in solo recitals and concerts with orchestras. His website tells us: “A native of East Orange, NJ, Richard received his first instruction from Dorothy Earley, and by the age of eight, was playing organ and piano for the First Baptist Church in Union, NJ. He later continued with Sylvia Rabinof of New York and received his Bachelor of Music degree from the Juilliard School of Music, in New York City, where he studied with Irwin Freundlich and Josef Raieff. He was later awarded the highly prestigious Maria Guerra Judelson Scholarship in piano to return to Juilliard for his Master’s degree as well.” Richard Alston played the role of Jasbo Brown in the Metropolitan Opera's revival of “Porgy and Bess”. Richard Alston is Professor of Music at Essex County College in New Jersey and has frequently served as a part-time instructor at Rutgers University's Newark Campus. He is also on the Board of Music Advisors of the Education Opportunity Program (EOP) at Westminster Choir College, a division of Rider University in Princeton.

Anton Stepanovich Arensky (1861-1906) was a Russian composer of the Romantic Period. Richard Alston is the piano soloist on a recording of Arensky's Concerto for Piano and Orchestra, Op. 2; Twelve Etudes for Piano, Op. 74; Etude Op. 36, No. 13 and Etude Op. 25, No. 3. The Czech National Symphony Orchestra performs under the direction of Paul Freeman, conductor, who is profiled at AfriClassical.com, on Centaur Records CRC 2307 (1997). Alston also performed two of the etudes on NPR's classical music program Performance Today for a broadcast on July 28, 1998. The program's website gives this background: “Nicolai Rimsky-Korsakov predicted that his former student Anton Stepanovich Arensky would be 'soon forgotten' as a composer. Pianist Richard Alston proves him wrong with his performance of two Arensky etudes. (Centaur CRC 2307)” Alston says he met Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma “...when I made my debut with the Symphony of the New World, Everett Lee conducting.” Dr. De Lerma wrote this note of thanks for a copy of Arensky CD Alston sent him: “Thank you so very, very much for the Arensky CD! This healthy romantic literature I had not known before. You have performed a great service in bringing it to light..........you play so totally musically! It is a splendid recording! Dominique-René de Lerma, Professor of Music, Lawrence University”

Richard Alston specializes in repertoire of composers of African descent. An example of his many recitals is one listed in the April 2009 E-Newsletter of Essex County College: “Professor Richard Alston, music coordinator at ECC, will be the featured pianist in the concert/lecture 'Classically Black' on April 9, 2:30 p.m. in the Dasher Student Center, Newark campus. He will perform the works of composers of African descent.” Composers of African descent in Alston's repertoire range from Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges (1745-1799) to George Walker (b. 1922). The pianist has 13 concert videos, including Adagio in F Minor of Le Chevalier de Saint-Georges, at: http://www.youtube.com/rcapno