Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Augusta Free Press: 'Waynesboro [VA] Symphony Orchestra celebrates Black History Month'; Morris Phibbs of CBMR Speaks on Florence Price

[Florence B. Price (1887-1953) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, which features a comprehensive Works List and a Bibliography by Dr. Dominique-René de Lerma, www.CasaMusicaledeLerma.com.]

WSO Picture Lise Keiter new
Dr. Lise Keiter, Pianist

Titled “Women of the American Symphonic Landscape,” this concert features music written by American Women, and especially Florence Price and her Piano Concerto in One Movement with  piano soloist Dr. Lise Keiter. The program also  includes Higdon’s blue cathedrals and  Symphony in E Minor, “Gaelic,” by Amy Beach
In recognition of Black History Month, Dr. Lise Keiter’s playing of Price’s piano concerto will be preceded by a short talk by Morris Phibbs, the Deputy Director of the Center for Black Music Research.  Florence Price (1887-1953), is considered the first black woman in the United States to be recognized as a symphonic composer. Mr. Phibbs will discuss Mrs. Price and the painstaking research required to reconstruct this important piece of Black history.
Concert dates are: Saturday, February 22nd, 7:30 PM   at Staunton’s First Presbyterian Church and Sunday, February 23rd, 3:00 PM  at Waynesboro’s First Presbyterian  Church. No tickets are required for these FREE concerts, however, contributions are gratefully accepted.  For more details, visit www.WSOMusic.org
Contact:      Anne Seaton    espressochic@comcast.net   540-241-2683 (cell)

Comments by email:
1) Thanks, Bill!  I’m also giving a full lecture/convocation for Mary Baldwin College and the City of Staunton community. I’ll do a Black music overview, with an emphasis on Black composers from the 16th century through today. My best to you!  Morris Morris A. Phibbs, Deputy Director, Center for Black Music Research, Columbia College Chicago

2)  Dear Bill,  Thank you very much... this is excellent!
We are so looking forward to this pair of concerts, and what a privilege to have a presentation by Mr. Phibbs.  We so appreciate the time, interest, and expertise of all involved to make this concert possible.   
Please feel free to contact me with any further questions or comments as we look forward to February 22 +23!
Warmest Regards to All, Anne Seaton, Waynesboro Symphony Orchestra Development Director 

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