“June is African-American Music Appreciation Month,” states an article posted Monday (6/22) on the website of Chicago-based classical station WFMT. “And, while you shouldn’t limit your appreciation of music by African-American composers to the month of June, it’s a nice excuse to explore their important contributions. You’re likely familiar with popular pieces by Scott Joplin or Miles Davis. But, if names like Daniel Bernard Roumain or George Lewis are new to you, read on, and happy listening!” The composers, whose works vary widely in style, range from Roumain, a “composer, violinist, and band leader … known for his unique blend of funk, rock, hip-hop and classical music” who spoke at the League of American Orchestras’ Conference earlier this month, to George Walker, “the first African American to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music … He has composed over 90 works for orchestra, chamber orchestra, solo instruments, and chorus, which have been performed by most of the major orchestras around the world.” The other composers in the list, all of them male, are T. J. Anderson, Anthony Davis, Anthony Braxton, George Lewis, Olly Wilson, Jonathan Bailey Holland, and Don Byron.
In photo: Daniel Bernard Roumain
Posted June 25, 2015
