Boston musicians on the Black composers to hear now
By A.Z. Madonna Globe Staff,Updated February 11, 2021, 12:41 p.m.
Email to a Friend
Clockwise from upper left: Composers Florence Price, Daniel Bernard Roumain, Ignatius Sancho, Scott Joplin, and Twinkie Clark.Boston Globe composite
Last summer, as Black Lives Matter protests heated up the streets, it seemed like every American orchestra sent out press releases condemning racism â even those who regularly go multiple seasons without programming work by a single Black composer. With bewigged maestros occupying so many plinths in the pantheon of the Western classical canon, Black composers have long been treated as an afterthought or novelty by much of the concert-music world. But recently, a new wave of ensembles (and listeners) has begun to explore this music in earnest, treating it with the gravitas it has always deserved. Four local Black musicians with roots in the classical tradition spoke with the Globe about composers
Till Victory Is Won
Sandra Evers Manly (Courtesy Photo)
As I examine Black History Month 2021, and what may be accomplished during the shortest month of the year, I am reminded of a special song that continues to motivate generations since the late 1890’s. First commissioned as a poem, “Life Every Voice and Sing” was written by James Weldon Johnson, Principal of the segregated Stanton School in Jacksonville, Florida. It was then set to music in 1905 by his brother J. Rosamond Johnson a composer who trained at the New England Conservatory of Music. These influential and talented brothers worked together all of their lives, both in show business and as critical players in the civil rights movement. They believed that “artistic and cultural excellence was key to Black Advancement in America.” I believe that we have all witnessed many examples of this cultural excellence from the past as well as today.
Updates from the Newton Senior Center
Community Content
Important vaccine information
Beginning the week of Feb. 1, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is opening vaccine eligibility to adults aged 75 and older. The second step of Phase 2 eligibility includes residents 65 years and older and people with two or more risk factors.
It’s important to recognize that Phase 2 includes a large group of people and is slated to run February through April. Not everyone will be able to be vaccinated immediately.
As anticipated, the vaccine will be distributed in many places, including large state sites (such as Fenway Park), pharmacies, doctors’ offices and other locations. Consider checking with your primary healthcare provider about vaccination plans.
From hip-hop to jazz to classical, composer deVon Russell Gray has forged a singular voice Whether working in classical, jazz or hip-hop, the composer seeks beauty and connection.
By Rob Hubbard and Rob Hubbard Special to the Star Tribune February 9, 2021 8:48am Text size Copy shortlink:
Having landed at the prestigious New England Conservatory of Music, deVon Russell Gray found himself chafing at its unyielding requirements fo
Indian pianist and composer Utsav Lal unveils new record called Visangati
pic courtesy: Utsav Lal
Indian pianist/composer Utsav Lal, often known as the âRaga Pianistâ, is recognised as one of the most talented musicians of his generation. Choosing to perform ragas on the piano, an instrument that has traditionally been considered unsuitable for Indian classical music, Utsavâs creative musical genius, unfailing clarity of technique and rhythmic virtuosity has led him to an impressive career performing at leading global venues like Carnegie Hall (NYC), Southbank Centre (London), The Kennedy Centre (DC).
From his debut album Piano Moods of Indian Ragas on Times Music (2008), Utsav has come a long way with six subsequent releases that include a historic solo recording on the worldâs first ever Fluid Piano, The Fluid Piano Album (2016).