The Starkville/MSU Symphony will present its Our America concert Saturday at 7:30 p.m. in Lee Hall on the campus of Mississippi State University. The concert will feature a selection of new and historic works by American composers, including the “Afro-American Symphony.” Admission is free and open to the public.
During this fourth installment in the Symphony’s landmark 50th season, the Our America program includes a prelude to the celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a performance of the historic “Afro-American Symphony” composed by Mississippi native William Grant Still. The work was the first symphony composed by an African American to be performed by a major orchestra. It was premiered in 1931 by the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Born in Woodville, Still holds a historic place in American music as the first African American to conduct a major orchestra, and the first to have an opera performed by a major company.
“We’re delighted to include this important work in the Our America concert,” said Ryan Ross, Starkville/MSU Symphony concert manager. “Still’s work offers a stunning example of what’s possible when elements of African American and European classical music traditions are combined.”
“One of the Starkville/MSU Symphony Association’s goals is to present historically relevant works like this in the context of our own diverse community.” said Haley Montgomery, SMSA vice president. “The inclusion of this symphony is a great way for us to honor the legacy of African American musicians and celebrate their important place in the fabric of classical music.”
In addition to the “Afro-American Symphony,” Saturday’s Our America concert will also include a performance of “Candide Overture” by legendary American composer Leonard Bernstein. The Symphony Orchestra will round out the program with “Americana Folk Suite” composed by Symphony conductor Barry Kopetz.
The Starkville/MSU Symphony Association was established March 2, 1969. Under its leadership, the Symphony’s program of work has grown to support the community orchestra, chorus and its yearly education initiative, Programs for Children. With the goal of introducing the vibrant classical music genre to an audience reflecting the entire Starkville and surrounding community, every concert has remained free and open to the public throughout the Symphony’s entire 50-year history.
For more information, visit starkvillesymphony.org, or connect on social media at facebook.com/starkvillesymphony or twitter.com/stksymphony.
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