Podcasts about nkeiru okoye

Angela Brown's passion for her gifts is evident in her conversation with Yvette. Angela personifies the ideal soprano: sheer vocal power; luxurious finesse; and shimmering, high pianissimos. With captivating star power, she unites opera, pops, and gospel in one sensational voice. She has graced the leading opera and symphonic stages on six continents. Performances in 2024 included two world premieres: the soprano solo for award-winning composer Nkeiru Okoye's new work, “When the Caged Bird Sings,” inspired by the life of Dr. Maya Angelou. She also reprised the role of Addie Parker in Charlie Parker's Yardbird with the Indianapolis Opera.

Angela Brown's passion for her gifts is evident in her conversation with Yvette. Angela personifies the ideal soprano: sheer vocal power; luxurious finesse; and shimmering, high pianissimos. With captivating star power, she unites opera, pops, and gospel in one sensational voice. She has graced the leading opera and symphonic stages on six continents. Performances in 2024 include two world premieres. Angela will sing the soprano solo for award-winning composer Nkeiru Okoye's new work, “When the Caged Bird Sings,” inspired by the life of Dr. Maya Angelou. She will reprise the role of Addie Parker in Charlie Parker's Yardbird with the Indianapolis Opera and many more performances.

When music journalist Myles Clarkson visits ailing piano virtuoso Duncan Ely at his palatial California home, ostensibly to interview the man, Duncan notices something distinct about Myles:  his hands – they're beautiful, the bone structure perfect for a concert pianist.  Myles, it turns out, is a Juilliard-trained musician whose career tanked after receiving some bad reviews.  Taking an interest in Myles, Duncan introduces him to his artist daughter Roxanne. Soon Myles has entered the pianist's inner circle, much to the chagrin of Myles' wife, Paula, who feels more than a tinge of jealousy at the attention being paid to her husband.  But things are about to take a turn for the uncanny.  Roxanne casts a plaster life mask of Myles, and with Duncan on his way out, Myles donates blood to help him.  While Myles is asleep, something happens, and when he awakes, he's changed.  It's almost as if he's someone else. His urge to live, to love, to play music, is revived, leaving Paula to wonder:  just what, or who, is inhabiting the body of the man she loves? Intro, Debate Society, Hot for Teacher (spoiler-free): 00:00-28:50Honor Roll and Detention (spoiler-heavy): 28:51-1:02:54Superlatives (spoiler-heavier): 1:02:55-1:22:19 Director Paul WendkosScreenplay Ben Maddow, based on the novel by Fred Mustard StewartFeaturing Alan Alda, Jacqueline Bisset, Bradford Dillman, Pamelyn Ferdin, Curt Jurgens, Barbara Parkins, Kathleen Widdoes, William Windom David Cote is a playwright, opera librettist, and critic based in New York. His operas include Lucidity – which will be produced by On Site Opera in New York and Seattle Opera in fall 2024, Blind Injustice, which premiered at Cincinnati Opera and will be presented at Peak Performances at Montclair State University February 16 & 18. Other operas include Three Way at Nashville Opera and BAM; The Scarlet Ibis for the Prototype Festival; and 600 Square Feet with Cleveland Opera Theater. His plays include The Müch, Saint Joe, and Otherland. David wrote lyrics for Nkeiru Okoye's Black Lives Matter monodrama, Invitation to a Die-In and the dating-app song cycles In Real Life, composed by Robert Paterson. David's TV and theater coverage appears in The A.V. Club, Observer, 4 Columns, and American Theatre. He was the longest serving theater editor and chief drama critic of Time Out New York. He's also the author of popular companion books about the Broadway hits Moulin Rouge! The Musical, Spring Awakening, Jersey Boys, and Wicked. Our theme music is by Sir Cubworth, with embellishments by Edward Elgar.  Music from The Mephisto Waltz by Jerry Goldsmith. For more information on this film (including why the Professor chose it, on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Our Blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠), the pod, essays from your hosts, and other assorted bric-a-brac, visit our website, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠scareupod.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠. Please subscribe to this podcast via Apple or Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you like what you hear, please leave us a 5-star rating. Join our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ group. Follow us on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Reno Phil Music Director and Conductor Laura Jackson talks with Chris Morrison about the second concert of the 2023-24 Reno Phil season, on November 11 and 12, 2023, featuring Voices Shouting Out by Nkeiru Okoye, the Symphony No. 6 by Jean Sibelius, and the Piano Concerto No. 1 by Johannes Brahms, with piano soloist Jon Nakamatsu.

In this episode, Angela and Joshua introduce our listening audience to 2021 Guggenheim Fellow, composer, and lyricist, Nkeiru Okoye. As one of the most sought after composers and creative minds of the 21st century, Okoye provides an exuberant account into her musical influences, training, and invaluable approach to scoring Black history as a way to engage, educate, and entertain audiences of the future. Featured Music:"Nothing but the Grave,"  Harriet Tubman - Nkeiru Okoye, composer - Janinah Burnett, vocalist - Briana Hunter, vocalist - Harlem Chamber Players, string quintet"Tribute 1: Shout," Black Bottom Symphony - Nkeiru Okoye, composer - Sumayya Ali, soprano - Charlotte Small-Chestnut, mezzo-soprano - Vincent Davis, tenor - Markel Reed, baritone - Detroit Symphony Orchestra - Thomas Wilkins, conductor"A Kiss on the Forehead," Home of My Ancestors - Nkeiru Okoye, composer - Issachah Savage, tenor - Howard Watkins, pianist - Tulsa Opera  Support the show

  Gil Rose is a conductor and  the founder and artistic director of the performing and recording ensemble the Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP), which is dedicated exclusively to commissioning, performing, and recording music of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, and Odyssey Opera which is dedicated to performing lesser-known older operas as well as contemporary new works. Rose is also the founder of BMOP/Sound, BMOP's independent record label, which was created in 2008 to provide a platform for BMOP's (and then Odyssey's) extensive archive of music. In this podcast, Gil Rose shares his motivation behind starting BMOP( which is celebrating its 25th anniversary) and his desire  to create a musically interesting and worthwhile project focused on contemporary music and focused on the dynamic between composers, performers, and the audience. Rose discusses his emphasis on flexibility and collaboration with other arts organizations and creating a great orchestra with exceptional free-lance musicians—a decision that allows BMOP to perform a wide range of repertoire, from 90-player orchestra pieces to smaller ensembles. Rose also talks about the critical aspect of fundraising and the challenges of sustaining BMOP and Odyssey, and the importance of grants, particularly those received from the National Endowment for the Arts which have provided integral support for a variety of projects, and whose endorsement acts as a seal of approval and often helps in raising money from other sources. Gil Rose also discusses the "As Told By" initiative, a five-year project commissioning, premiering, and recording opera works by black composers about black historical subjects. (The first opera premiered was "X:The Life and Times of Malcolm X" by Anthony Davis; the second scheduled for 2024 will be “Harriet Tubman” by Nkeiru Okoye—both received grants from the Arts Endowment.) And finally, Rose reflects on BMOP's 25th anniversary, their many collaborations and partnerships, their debut at Carnegie Hall, which received glowing reviews from The New York Times and what's on the road ahead. Let us know what you think about Art Works—email us at artworkspod@arts.gov.

  Gil Rose is a conductor and  the founder and artistic director of the performing and recording ensemble the Boston Modern Orchestra Project (BMOP), which is dedicated exclusively to commissioning, performing, and recording music of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, and Odyssey Opera which is dedicated to performing lesser-known older operas as well as contemporary new works. Rose is also the founder of BMOP/Sound, BMOP's independent record label, which was created in 2008 to provide a platform for BMOP's (and then Odyssey's) extensive archive of music. In this podcast, Gil Rose shares his motivation behind starting BMOP( which is celebrating its 25th anniversary) and his desire  to create a musically interesting and worthwhile project focused on contemporary music and focused on the dynamic between composers, performers, and the audience. Rose discusses his emphasis on flexibility and collaboration with other arts organizations and creating a great orchestra with exceptional free-lance musicians—a decision that allows BMOP to perform a wide range of repertoire, from 90-player orchestra pieces to smaller ensembles. Rose also talks about the critical aspect of fundraising and the challenges of sustaining BMOP and Odyssey, and the importance of grants, particularly those received from the National Endowment for the Arts which have provided integral support for a variety of projects, and whose endorsement acts as a seal of approval and often helps in raising money from other sources. Gil Rose also discusses the "As Told By" initiative, a five-year project commissioning, premiering, and recording opera works by black composers about black historical subjects. (The first opera premiered was "X:The Life and Times of Malcolm X" by Anthony Davis; the second scheduled for 2024 will be “Harriet Tubman” by Nkeiru Okoye—both received grants from the Arts Endowment.) And finally, Rose reflects on BMOP's 25th anniversary, their many collaborations and partnerships, their debut at Carnegie Hall, which received glowing reviews from The New York Times and what's on the road ahead. Let us know what you think about Art Works—email us at artworkspod@arts.gov.

As we at the Musicians vs the World Podcast say goodbye to 2022, Christine takes a moment to look back to the amazing guests and conversations we've hosted over the past 12 months. She also takes a few minutes to give some interesting updates to a few of our previous conversations! Guests Featured in this episode: Dr. Renee-Paule Gauthier https://www.mindoverfinger.com/about Dr. Kensley Behel https://www.kensleybehel.com/ Sam Rothstein https://www.candidclarinetistpodcast.com/ Joel Dallow https://www.thecellosherpa.com/ Christina Hughes Bill Davis Pat Irwin https://patirwinmusic.com/ Dr. BeiBei Lin http://www.beibeilin.com/ Dr. Jonathan Rosenburg David Troy Francis https://www.davidtroyfrancis.com/ Dr. Nkeiru Okoye https://www.nkeiruokoye.com/ Guilherme Andreas https://www.guilhermeandreas.com/ Dr. Joy Hoffman Dr. Malena McLaren Patrick Derivaz https://patrickderivaz.com/ Jenny Boster https://www.theplayfulpiano.com/ Dr. Brandon Bascom https://brandonbascom.com/ Music Featured in this episode: Mozart - Sonata in D Major for 2 Pianos Mel. Bonis - Pheobe C. Smith - Fortune Floats C. Smith - Expression

Dr. Nkeiru Okoye is committed to creating music that engages communities and affects social change. In part two of their conversation, Christine and Dr. Okoye explore what it takes to engage communities through new music, and the impact that music makes on people and society at large. It's a genuine inside look into the mind, heart, and compositional process of a modern composer.

Composer Dr. Nkeiru Okoye's music defies categorization. She is an expert at fuzing different musical styles and genres into her music, and injecting humanity into difficult subjects. Her mission is to create music that engages communities and affects social change. In part 1 of this 2-part episode, Dr. Okoye takes time out of her busy schedule to talk with Christine about her inspiring life story. From a shy little girl whose teacher tells her she'd never have a life in music, to becoming 2021's Guggenheim Fellow in music composition, composer Dr. Nkeiru Okoye's life story is a masterclass in grit, talent, and passion.

Composer Nkeiru Okoye doesn't fit neatly into any kind of classical category. Her compositions showcase her genius by incorporating different types of musical styles that help create a sound that's uniquely hers. Find out more about Okoye's diverse compositions in the latest episode of the 'Rhapsody in Black' podcast.

Greetings, dear Scorekeepers! It's time for episode 26 of THE SCORE! This week is the first time we've all been together since the tragic death of Amir Locke, here in Minneapolis. So we invite you to process with us and invite you to join us in a conversation about what artists and arts organizations can and should do in the face of such senseless tragedy (0:04:16). Then, it's the conclusion of our three-part series on Black composer, Joseph Bologne! Today, we are so happy to be joined by Dr. Julian Ledford, Assistant Professor of French and French Studies at Sewanee, University of the South and author of "Joseph Boulogne, the Chevalier de Saint-George and the Problem With Black Mozart". Dr. Ledford gives us his passionately well-honed insights into Bologne's life, his rightful place in classical music history, and why the moniker "Black Mozart" is not only problematic, but highly inaccurate (0:37:38). And finally, it's more important than ever to end this episode with a moment of Pure Black Joy, and this week we've got art, food, and wellness (1:10:26)! What more could you ask for? Let's do it to it, y'all! Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds Guest: Dr. Julian Ledford -- Links "https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0021934719892239 (Joseph Boulogne, the Chevalier de Saint-George and the Problem With Black Mozart)" by Dr Julian Ledford MN Opera's The Anonymous Lover (https://mnopera.org/season/2021-2022/the-anonymous-lover/ (Website)) (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_lDwbFEnEs&list=PLXBxqtlAtQymawWWgBHxk8bdKc6mJkeBy (YouTube)) "Invitation to a Die-IN" by Dr. Nkeiru Okoye (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l-GVwxDfb_0 (YouTube)) "Yet Unheard" by Courtney Bryan (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsSENWpYqFw (YouTube)) Mending Walls RVA (https://www.mendingwallsrva.com/hamilton-glass (Website)) Alanna Morris Van Tassel (https://www.alannamvt.com/home (Website)) MOVE Fitness (https://www.youtube.com/user/superherofitnesstv (YouTube)) MCE Creations (https://mcecreations.store/ (Website)) -- New episodes of THE SCORE drop every other Monday. If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also, leaving a 5-star REVIEW on Apple Podcasts is a great way to help get the word out. For more info about the exciting EDI work happening at MN Opera, please visit https://mnopera.org/edi/ (mnopera.org/edi). Email your questions or comments to thescore@mnopera.org

In today's Sound Perimeter, University of Arkansas music professor Lia Uribe celebrates the voices of African American composers that have documented the history of the USA in and with their music. We hear music today by Florence Price, Geroge Walker and Nkeiru Okoye.

Hello, dear Scorekeepers! And welcome to a jam-packed ninth episode of The Score. On today's episode, we voyage all the way to the stars and back with a quick chat about Rocky's recent reading with acclaimed Black astrologer Mecca Woods, followed by a dip into MN Opera's newly announced 2021-22 Season, and a conversation about our conflicted feelings around the well-intentioned acronym BIPOC. Then sit back, relax and enjoy a super-sized and super soul-cleansing interview with our guest, composer and recent Guggenheim Fellow Dr. Nkeiru Okoye. We're honored to have Dr. Okoye with us to share a bit about her creative process, what she believes institutions need to change in order help attract audiences and artists of color, and she gives us a little sneak peek at some of her upcoming work. And of course, we'd never leave you without a PB&J. This week, we're sending some love to Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall, rising political superstars India Walton and Chris Jones, and the luminous Angela Bassett. Let's do it to it, y'all! Hosts: Lee Bynum, Rocky Jones, Paige Reynolds Guest: Dr. Nkeiru Okoye Producer: Rocky Jones Timestamps Astrology and the new MN Opera Season - 0:53 Unpacking BIPOC - 14:35 In Conversation with Dr. Nkeiru Okoye - 43:29 PB&J - 1:30:48 Links MN Opera's 2021-22 Season (https://mnopera.org/season/2021-2022/ (Learn More)) "'BIPOC' Isn't Doing What You Think It's Doing | Opinion" (https://www.newsweek.com/bipoc-isnt-doing-what-you-think-its-doing-opinion-1582494 (Newsweek)) Dr. Nkeiru Okoye (https://www.nkeiruokoye.com/ (Website)) Mecca Woods - My Life Created (https://www.mylifecreated.com/ (Website)) "Katori Hall Wins Drama Pulitzer for ‘The Hot Wing King'" (https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/11/theater/pulitzer-drama-winner.html (NY Times)) India Walton for Buffalo (https://indiawalton.com/ (Learn More)) Chris Jones for Governor (https://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2021/jun/15/pine-bluff-native-jones-announces-bid-governor/ (Learn More)) If you like what you hear, please support us and SUBSCRIBE to the show on your favorite podcast app and be sure to SHARE our show with your friends. Also leaving a 5-star REVIEW is a great way to help get the word out. For more info about the exciting EDI work happening at MN Opera, please visit https://mnopera.org/edi/ (mnopera.org/edi). Email your questions or comments to thescore@mnopera.org

Keturah speaks with librettist and journalist David Cote, about his works, including Blind Injustice, Three Way, the Scarlet Ibis, and Invitation to a Die-In. They also discuss the hardships of getting work produced, and how this differs in the opera world and theater world.

Black Bottom and Paradise Valley were razed beginning in the 1950's to make way for I-375. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra commemorates their history in a new piece by composer Nkeiru Okoye.

Medverkar gör fagottisten Monica Ellis i ensemblen Imani Winds, tonsättaren Nkeiru Okoye och countertenoren Darryl Taylor. Monica Ellis bor i Harlem och spelar fagott i blåskvintetten Imani Winds, vilket betyder tillit och förtroende på swahili. Gruppen, tre kvinnor och två män, firar 2017 tjugoårsjubileum! - Klangen och färgerna i instrumenten är unika, annorlunda än stråkkvartetter eller pianotrios. Våra gemensamma musikaliska rötter är mångfaldiga: klassisk musik, jazz, rythmnblues och negro spirituals säger Monica Ellis. Vi är stolta över att representera våra rötter på det här sättet. Nkeiru Okoye komponerade operan Harriet Tubman, When I Crossed that Line. Harriet Tubman var en f d slav som blev frihetskämpe och var en av dem som räddade 300 slavar från den amerikanska södern genom de underjordiska järnvägarna. Harriet Tubman sjunger i operan: Solen lyser som guld genom träden. Det känns som om jag är i himlen. Jag gick över gränsen och jag är fri! Countertenoren Darryl Taylor grundade 1997 The African American Art Songs Alliance. Ett arkiv och en samlingsplats på nätet för konstfulla sånger i den afroamerikanska traditionen. Han har spelat in en CD med Negro Spirituals arrangerade av konstmusiktonsättare. - Bland operastjärnor av idag kan jag bara komma på en enda svart tenor i hela världen! Svarta barytoner får ofta jobb som operans skurkar, Scarpia i Tosca eller Jago i Othello, berättar Darryl Taylor. Musiklista:SYMFONI NR 1William Grant Still,John Jeter/ Fort Smith SymphonyNAXOS 14590, 8.5591743 Visions - No. 2. SummerlandWilliam Grant Still,Althea Waites PianoCambria Cd 1097, CAMBRIA CD-1097 AMAZING GRACETrad, Hale SmithJohn NewtonDarryl Taylor / Brent McmunnALBANY 14638, TROY 1244Homage To DukeJeff Scott,Imani WindsKOCH INTERNATIONAL, CLASSIC SKIC-CD-7599 Homage To DukeJeff Scott,Imani WindsKOCH INTERNATIONAL, CLASSICS KIC-CD-7599Rite Of SpringStravinskij,Imani WindsGo Tell It On The MountainValerie Coleman,Imani WindsKOCH INTERNATIONAL, KIC-CD-7748 DE GOSPEL TRAINTrad Från Usa,Trad Från UsaMarian Anderson / Franz RuppURANIA 22858, URN 22.328DE GOSPEL TRAINTrad, Kurt Kaiser / Don Marsh / Patrick RussTradKathleen Battle / Jessye Norman / James LevineDGG 00174, 429 790-2Songs Of Harriet Tubman - 1. My Name Is AaramintaNkeiru Okoye,Louise ToppinJulius P Williams, dirigent Dvoand 345 K Symphony OrchestraAlbany Troy 1314, TROY1314Songs Of Harriet Tubman - 3. I Am Harriet TubmanNkeiru Okoye,Louise Toppin Julius P Williams, dirigentDvoand 345 K Symphony OrchestraAlbany Troy 1314, TROY1314 GUIDE MY FEETTrad Från USA, Jacqueline HairstonTrad Från USA Darryl Taylor / Brent McmunnALBANY 14638, TROY 1244OH PETER GO RING DEM BELLSTrad Från USA, Margaret BondsTrad Från USADarryl Taylor/ Brent McmunnALBANY 14638, TROY 1244SISTER MARY WORE THREE LENGTHS OF CHAINTrad, George WalkerDarryl Taylor / BrentMcmunnALBANY 14638, TROY 1244AIN'T GOT TIMET O DIETrad Från USA,Trad Från USARobert Mcferrin / Norman JohnsonRIVERSIDE 00325, RLP 12-812

Medverkar gör tonsättarna Nkeiru Okoye, Julius Williams och Adolphus Hailstork. Alla tre vill bidra till kulturen hos de människor som har lidit så mycket, afroamerikanerna. Nkeiru Okoye känner sin pappas släktingar i Nigeria. Men mammans förfäder är okända eftersom de kidnappades någonstans i Afrika och anonymt anlände till den amerikanska kontinenten med slavskepp. Hennes svit The Journey of Phillis Wheatley handlar om slavflickan som ställdes inför rätta, anklagad för att vara en intellektuell bedragare. Phillis Wheatley blev första afroamerikanska kvinna i USA som gav ut en bok. Året var 1773.-Som dirigent blir jag ofta behandlad som osynlig. Man vänder sig till en vit person bredvid mig och förutsätter att det är maestron. Många tror att svarta endast sysslar med jazz, kyrkomusik och gospel, men National Association of Negro Musicians har funnits i hundra år, berättar Julius Williams, dirigent, tonsättare och professor på Berklee College of Music i Boston.-Tänker jag på det för mycket så blir jag galen. Att vi afroamerikanska tonsättare existerar har ännu inte gått in i medvetandet hos amerikanska dirigenter och musikchefer, speciellt de som arbetar inom symfoni- och operaorkestrar. Nej, vi förpassas till periferin av de perifera, säger den grå eminensen bland de idag aktiva afroamerikanska tonsättarna Adolphus Hailstork.-Jag vill bidra till kulturen hos de människor som har lidit så mycket, afroamerikanerna, och hoppas jag kan hylla våra triumfer och spegla våra vedermödor.Musiklista:SYMFONI NR 1William Grant Still,John Jeter / Fort Smith SymphonyNAXOS 14590, 8.559174Songs Of The MagiAdolphus Hailstork,Back Pearl Chamber Orchestra JeriLynne Johnson, dirigent Voices Shouting OutNkeiru Okoye,Fort Collins SymphonyDancing Barefoot - African SketchesNkeiru Okoye,Blair McmillanDusk - African SketchesNkeiru Okoye,Blair McmillanThe Journey Of Phillis WheatleyNkeiru Okoye,Moscow Symphony OrchestraCharles Ansbacher, DirigentThe Journey Of Phillis WheatleyNkeiru Okoye,Moscow Symphony OrchestraCharles Ansbacher, Dirigent Myths Of History - 1. AfricaJulius Williams,Dvor K Symphony OrchestraJulius Williams, dirigent Louise ToppinAlbany Troy 1314, TROY 1314EASTER CELEBRATION: AKT 5,MEDITATIONJulius P Williams,Julius P Williams, dirigent Martinu, Bohuslav (Bohuslav Martinu-Filharmonin, Zlin)ALBANY 14638, TROY 104TOCCATINA FOR STRÅKORKESTERJulius P Williams, Julius P Williams, dirigent / Dvorak-SymfoniorkesternALBANY 14638, TROY 1072TOCCATINA FOR STRÅKORKESTERJulius P WilliamsJulius P Williams / Dvorak-SymfoniorkesternALBANY14638, TROY 1072Myths Of History - 3. SlaveryJulius Williams,Julius Williams, dirigent DvoraK Symphony Orchestra Louise ToppinAlbany, TROY 1314PORGY AND BESS: SUMMERTIMEGeorge Gershwin, Gil EvansMiles Davis / Gil EvansCOLUMBIA 00149, CXK 67397SYMFONI NR 1Adolphus Hailstork,Julius P Williams, dirigent Martinu, Bohuslav (Bohuslav Martinu-Filharmonin, Zlin)ALBANY 14638, TROY 104SYMFONI NR 2Adolphus Hailstork,David Lockington /Grand Rapids SymphonyNAXOS 14590, 8.559295EPITAPH FOR A MAN WHO DREAMEDAdolphus Hailstork,Paul Freeman/ Chicago SinfoniettaCEDILLE RECORDS 21642, CDR 90000061 KUM-BA-YAAdolphus Hailstork,Joann Falletta / Virginia Symphony OrchestraNAXOS 14590, 8.559722

Det tredje programmet av tio i Birgitta Tollans serie How sweet the sound. Medverkar gör fagottisten Monica Ellis, tonsättaren Nkeiru Okoye och countertenoren Darryl Taylor. Monica Ellis bor i Harlem och spelar fagott i blåskvintetten Imani Winds, vilket betyder tillit och förtroende på swahili. Gruppen, fyra kvinnor och en man, har existerat i 16 år. - Klangen och färgerna i instrumenten är unika, annorlunda än stråkkvartetter eller pianotrios. Våra gemensamma musikaliska rötter är mångfaldiga: klassisk musik, jazz, rythm’nblues och negro spirituals säger Monica Ellis. Vi är stolta äver att representera våra rötter på det här sättet. Nkeiru Okoye komponerade operan ”Harriet Tubman, When I Crossed that Line”. Harriet Tubman var en f d slav som blev frihetskämpe och var en av dem som räddade 300 slavar från den amerikanska södern genom de”underjordiska järnvägarna”. Harriet Tubman sjunger i operan: ”Solen lyser som guld genom träden. Det känns som om jag är i himlen. Jag gick över gränsen och jag är fri!” Countertenoren Darryl Taylor grundade 1997 The African American Art Songs Alliance. Ett arkiv och en samlingsplats på nätet för konstfulla sånger i den afroamerikanska traditionen. Han har spelat in en CD med Negro Spirituals arrangerade av konstmusiktonsättare. - Bland operastjärnor av idag kan jag bara komma på en enda svart tenor – i hela världen! Svarta barytoner får ofta jobb som operans skurkar, Scarpia i Tosca eller Jago i Othello, berättar Darryl Taylor. För manus, regi och produktion står Birgitta Tollan.

Det andra programmet av tio i Birgitta Tollans serie How sweet the sound. Medverkar gör tonsättarna Nkeiru Okoye, Julius Williams och Adolphus Hailstork. Nkeiru Okoye känner sin pappas släktingar i Nigeria. Men mammans förfäder är okända eftersom de kidnappades någonstans i Afrika och anonymt anlände till den amerikanska kontinenten med slavskepp. Hennes svit The Journey of Phillis Wheatley handlar om slavflickan som ställdes inför rätta, anklagad för att vara en intellektuell bedragare. Phillis Wheatley blev första afroamerikanska kvinna i USA som gav ut en bok. Året var 1773. -Som dirigent blir jag ofta behandlad som osynlig. Man vänder sig till en vit person bredvid mig och förutsätter att det är maestron. Många tror att svarta endast sysslar med jazz, kyrkomusik och gospel, men National Association of Negro Musicians har funnits i hundra år, berättar Julius Williams, dirigent, tonsättare och professor på Berklee College of Music i Boston. -Tänker jag på det för mycket så blir jag galen. Att vi afroamerikanska tonsättare existerar har ännu inte gått in i medvetandet hos amerikanska dirigenter och musikchefer, speciellt de som arbetar inom symfoni- och operaorkestrar. Nej, vi förpassas till periferin av de perifera, säger den grå eminensen bland de idag aktiva afroamerikanska tonsättarna Adolphus Hailstork. -Jag vill bidra till kulturen hos de människor som har lidit så mycket, afroamerikanerna, och hoppas jag kan hylla våra triumfer och spegla våra vedermödor. För manus, regi och produktion står Birgitta Tollan.