The National Endowment for the Humanities today announced a $400,000 grant to resume “Music Unwound,” a national consortium of orchestras and universities, begun in 2010, that explores topics in American music. I serve as director. Music Unwound disseminates a template I have long espoused: thematic, cross-disciplinary symphonic concerts linked to schools. I believe it … [Read more...] about Five Festivals for the Charles Ives Sesquicentenary
Rediscovering Harry Burleigh: A Valedictory Setting of Langston Hughes
In recent weeks I’ve had occasion to perform Harry Burleigh’s "Lovely Dark and Lonely One" with three singers: Emery Stephens at St. Olaf’s College, George Shirley for Chamber Music Cincinnati, and Sidney Outlaw at Princeton University. And I write in this weekend’s Wall Street Journal that this “may be credibly judged one of the most memorable of all American concer songs.’” … [Read more...] about Rediscovering Harry Burleigh: A Valedictory Setting of Langston Hughes
George Shirley — a Week-long Tribute
Thanks to John Spencer and Chamber Music Cincinnati, “George Shirley: A Life in Music” will be celebrated for an entire week in that city. Sunday, April 9: George Shirley sings Easter Sunday spirituals at three Cincinnati churches. Monday, April 10 (7 pm): George Shirley and I reprise “George Shirley: A Life in Music,” the program we presented last summer at the Brevard … [Read more...] about George Shirley — a Week-long Tribute
“Dvorak’s Prophecy” at Princeton April 12 with John McWhorter, Allen Guelzo, and Sidney Outlaw
“Dvorak’s Prophecy and the Vexed Fate of Black Classical Music” is the topic of an April 12 concert/lecture at Princeton University. I’ll be joined by cultural critic John McWhorter of the New York Times, Princeton historian Allen Guelzo, and baritone Sidney Outlaw – with whom I’ll perform spirituals and songs by Harry Burleigh. It’s free of charge and you don't have to … [Read more...] about “Dvorak’s Prophecy” at Princeton April 12 with John McWhorter, Allen Guelzo, and Sidney Outlaw
“Mahler in New York” (April 4) — Tickets Now on Sale
One of Gustav Mahler’s most powerful New York experiences was a funeral procession he watched from a hotel window. A fireman had drowned in a burning building. It is often surmised that the stark military drum commencing the finale of Mahler’s unfinished Tenth Symphony was a result. Tickets are now on sale for “Mahler in New York” – an April 4 program combining music, … [Read more...] about “Mahler in New York” (April 4) — Tickets Now on Sale