SEEKING YOUR FEEDBACK and RESPONSE:

Who and where are individuals interested in classical music - specifically the works of African-Americans and African heritage composers?

Let me hear from you.

A blog has been added for your comments.

Special exhibit: Francis Johnson; music master and composer of early Philadelphia at the University of Pennsylvania Library - through fall 2009.  details →

The Sphinx Organization announces an initiative aimed at bringing more music by Black and Latino composers to the concert hall.  The Sphinx Commissioning Consortium (SCC) will partner with thirteen major U.S. orchestras.

 The N.Y. Philharmonic and Manhatten School of Music mourn the loss of Jerome Ashby (1956-2007), a genuine artist, great teacher and true friend to so many.  His performances as Associate Principal Horn of the New York Philharmonic and as a chamber music performer were inspirations to audiences, his musical colleagues and his students.  Jerome began his tenure with the New York Philharmonic as Associate Principal Horn in 1979.  He also served on the faculties of the Manhatten School of Music, The Juilliard School, The Curtis Institute, and the Aspen Music Festival School.  Deepest sympathies are extended to his family.  Reported December 29, 2007

Article SONGS of the SISTERHOOD by Gregory Walker.  A musical glimpse of black women composers: Dorothy Rudd Moore, Valerie Capers, and Jeraldine Herbison.  December 2007 issue of Chamber Music magazine.

An historic Bridge CD (9233) has been released.  It is the re-mastered 1940 concert of soprano Dorothy Maynor.  Her transcendent voice was described as a treasure by many, including Eugene Ormandy - the Philadelphia Orchestra's music director.

IMANI WINDS featured on NPR's All Things Considered (June 11, 2007) · If it's possible for a classically trained wind quintet to rock the house, Imani Winds blows the roof off. . . . The members' collective experience is top notch, ranging from Juilliard to major orchestras . . . . They are relentless in their efforts to educate young people . . . . Listen here →

BUSKAID SOWETO STRINGS newsletter.  Founded in the 1990s in South Africa.  Students range in age from five to twenty-four.  details →

HARRY T. BURLEIGH HERITAGE and LEGACY WEEKEND - 5th Annual.  Special program to honor Mr. Burleigh's heritage and music legacy. Composers include: Julius Williams, Dwight Andrews, Roland Carter, Janice Mitchell-Misurell, and Nkeiru Okoye. details →

GRAMMY AWARD NEWS -  Conductor John McLaughlin Williams won for the recording of Oiseaux Exotique (Exotic Birds), by Olivier Messiaen, with the Cleveland Chamber Symphony and soloist Angelin Chang, piano.

Last year, Imani Winds received a nomination for their CD, Classical Underground  details →
 

CD LISTENING GUIDE - Black History Classical Awareness ( document )

ONLINE BROADCASTS, PODCASTS, etc. - In addition to CDs, there are new modes of music listening opportunities.  Selected online options have been identified and are now available.  details →

BLACK COMPOSER and SYMPHONIC ORCHESTRA REPERTOIRE - a special report analyzes their inclusion in orchestra concerts from 1842-1970 and 2001-2006.  Composer name, composition, year and the orchestra are included. PDF report →

EXHIBIT and BROADCAST - 'Picturing the Banjo': A visual representation of the banjo from the era of slavery through contemporary times. Images track the arrival of an instrument that came from Africa with the slaves.  At the Corcoran Gallery of Art; Washington, D.C. and on National Public Radio.

INTERESTING NEW BOOKS
- The Rest is Noise: Listening to the Twentieth Century, by Alex Ross.  An intriguing, one-hundred year overview of "classical music" within prevailing historical, cultural, political, and aesthetic currents. Minimizes the use of traditional labels and categories. Publisher: Farrar, Straus & Giroux, 2007

- I Dream a World: The Operas of William Grant Still, by Beverly Soll, is the first book on Still's eight operas. Publisher: University of Arkansas Press, 2005.

- Towards An African Pianism:  Keyboard Music of Africa and the Diaspora, edited by Cynthia Tse Kimberlin and Akin Euba.  Volume One - Essays.  Volume Two - Music Scores and CDs.  Publisher: MRI Press 2005