#ClassicsaDay #BlackMusicMonth Week 3
Since 1979, June has been African-American Music Appreciation Month. The Classics a Day team decided to adopt it for the June 2019 theme as well. Popular music genres will no doubt be well-represented by others. We’ll be focusing on the composers, conductors, and performing artists of color who have contributed to classical music.
For my part, my feed features African-American classical composers. Here are my posts for Week 3 of #ClassicsaDay #BlackMusicMonth
6/17/19 Zenobia Powell Perry (1908-2004) – Homage (to William Levi Dawson)
Perry studied with Darius Milhaud and wrote “clear, classic melodies.” She was well-respected as a composer, teacher, and civil rights activist.
6/18/19 Joshua Coyne (1993 – ) – Daydream
Coyne is an accomplished violinist and studied with Richard Daneilpour. He’s composed both concert music and movie soundtracks. “Daydream” won gold at the NAACP Afro-Academic, Cultural, Technological and Scientific Olympics.
6/19/19 Philippa Schuyler (1931-1967) – Four Little Pieces
Schuyler was a child prodigy. Her first compositions were written at age five. Although she had a successful career as a pianist, she turned to journalism. She was a Vietnam war correspondent when she was killed in action.
6/20/19 Florence Price (1887-1953) – Violin Concerto No. 1 in D major
Price was the first African-American woman to have her music played by a major orchestra. Her orchestral catalog includes 4 symphonies, 4 concertos, and several shorter works.
6/21/19 Regina Harris Baiocchi (1956 – ) – Azuretta
Although she showed musical talent at an early age, Baiocchi has worked both in and outside the field. Most of her instrumental compositions are for solo instruments or chamber ensembles.
