Seattle Black Nativity: 'The words of the great American poet, Langston Hughes'

[Seattle Black Nativity]

The Seattle version of the Langston Hughes classic runs from 8 December to 24 December, 2011:

Seattle-Theatre.com

“SEATTLE BLACK NATIVITY

Moore Theatre

1932 2nd Avenue, Seattle, WA 98107

Seattle's Black Nativity is in it's 13th year - be sure not to miss out on this annual city holiday tradition!

“Put a little soul into your holidays with a performance of Black Nativity, a re-telling of the Christmas story through the words of the great American poet, Langston Hughes. Traditional carols are sung gospel style by the entirely black cast, and the stage is turned into a joyous non-denominational church that unites artists and audiences of different faiths, ages, backgrounds and beliefs through the heart-stirring power of song, story and dance.

“Dates

Opening night: 8 December 2011

Booking through until: 24 December 2011

“Audience

Welcome to all ages, and all denominations!”

Update on Festival of African & African-American Music (FESAAM 2011)

[Marlissa Hudson, Soprano]

Fred Onovwerosuoke, Founder and President of African Musical Arts, issues this release on FESAAM 2011:

“Unfortunately, the Festival of African & African-American Music in St Louis, MO will be considerably scaled down this year. In the ten years of the festival, we've been unable to raise any significant funds toward the festival. It's been held through kind collaborative support by all of you our musical friends, and largely underwritten by personal funds. With increasing cost of raising children in America, Wendy and I are no longer able to bear this immense financial burden.

“Our scaled down version of this year's festival will feature soprano Marlissa Hudson, pianist Darryl Hollister, pianist Peter Henderson, flutist Wendy Hymes, violinist Tanya Couture, cellist Kristin Sage and clarinetist Linda Kinsey-Phips. Again, my apologies as we indeed pray for brighter fortunes toward FESAAM 2013 in St Louis.

“Of course, you and your students, and certainly friends are heartily welcome to attend the exciting events in St. Louis, MO. Registration is still $100 ($55 for students with ID). Visit http://fesaam.org to register as we look forward to seeing you in St Louis.”

Pianist Richard C. Alston's 'Classically Black' Moved to Feb. 9, 2011, Rutgers University Camden College

[Richard C. Alston]

On Dec. 30, 2010 AfriClassical posted: “Pianist Richard C. Alston in 'Classically Black' Feb. 2, 2011 Rutgers University.” Richard Alston sends word of a postponement due to winter weather conditions: “Hello Bill, My concert originally scheduled for Wednesday, February 2 at Rutgers University Camden has been rescheduled for Wednesday, February 9th due to the approaching winter storm.

Thanks,

Richard

Rutgers University

Camden College of Arts and Sciences

Wednesday, February 9, 2011 12:00pm

Richard Alston, pianist

"Classically Black”

Composers of African Descent

I

Troubled Water...Margaret Bonds

II

Adagio in F Minor...Le Chevalier De Saint Georges

Basso Tuba Waltz, op. 5...Thomas "Blind Tom" Wiggins

Maple Leaf Rag...Scott Joplin

Summerland...William Grant Still

The Bamboula...Samuel Coleridge-Taylor

III

In The Bottoms (Suite)...R. Nathaniel Dett

Prelude (Night)

His Song

Honey

Barcarolle (Morning)

Juba (Dance)

IV

Sonata No. 1...George Walker

Theme and Variations

V

Fantasie Negre...Florence B. Price

Sony: 'Legacy of AMERICAN DIVA Shirley Verrett, Four Previously Unavailable Recordings Released February 1, 2011'

[Falla's Seven Popular Spanish songs; Shirley Verret, mezzo-soprano; SONY Music Entertainment Downloads LLC (Feb. 1, 2011)]

Elisa Peimer of Sony Masterworks sends this press release on recordings of Shirley Verrett:

“Dear Colleague:

Below please find the press release and streaming music for four digital and burn-on-demand Shirley Verrett albums that will be available February 1.

Carnegie Hall Recital

Falla's Seven Popular Spanish songs and Songs by Granados / Nin / Obradors / Montsalvatge / Turina

Vocal Music of Vivaldi

Singin' in the Storm

“Sony Masterworks Commemorates The Recorded Legacy of AMERICAN DIVA Shirley Verrett

“Four Previously Unavailable Recordings Released February 1, 2011

“SONY MASTERWORKS commemorates the recorded legacy of American diva Shirley Verrett (1931-2010), one of the most acclaimed mezzo-sopranos of the second half of the twentieth century. Four of her earliest recordings that have not been translated to CD until now: Falla’s Seven Popular Spanish Songs, Carnegie Hall Recital, Singin’ in the Storm and Vocal Music of Vivaldi will be available through all major digital service providers and as disc-on-demand February 1, 2011.

"Verrett was perhaps the most commanding of remarkable African-American artists that followed Leontyne Price’s breakthrough internationally and at the Metropolitan Opera. Verrett’s career hit its stride just as the civil rights movement had its first successes, though she had already enjoyed a decade of international acclaim by the time she made her Metropolitan Opera debut in 1968. A mezzo-soprano whose flexible voice allowed her to sing the great soprano roles, Verrett, was a glamorous woman with a striking presence on the world’s great opera stages for more than thirty years."

Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival July 27 - Aug. 6, 2011, Juilliard School at Lincoln Center, NYC

[Imani Winds]

Imani Winds, http://www.imaniwinds.com/, announce the 2011 Imani Winds Festival, http://www.imaniwindsfestival.com/

January 24, 2011

About The Festival

For 10 days, musicians are mentored and immersed into all aspects of chamber music: repertoire, honing skills in artistry, communication, and performance. Free concerts will be given by Imani Winds and festival fellows in various locations throughout New York City. Additional curriculum includes masterclasses with renown guest artists, entrepreneurship seminars with top management/PR, educational outreach training, yoga and Alexander technique. Musicians may apply to one or more programs:

WIND QUINTET/SEXTET FELLOWSHIP:

For flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon, french horn players and pianists ages 16 and over. Individuals or pre-formed adult, collegiate, and advanced high school ensembles are encouraged to apply. Audition is required.

GENERAL CHAMBER MUSIC PROGRAM (GCM):

For all woodwinds, horn, strings (including guitar and harp), brass, and pianists ages 16 and over. Intermediate to advanced individuals, pre-formed adult, collegiate, and high school chamber groups are encouraged to apply. Advanced adult amateurs are welcome. Audition is required.

COST

Performer Application Fee: $45 before April 1; $55 after April 1

Auditor Reservation Fee: $15 before April 1; $25 after April 1

Fellowship Tuition: $1,000

General Chamber Music Tuition: $800

Auditors: $400 full session/$60 per day

SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Priority scholarship consideration will be given to applications submitted before April 1st.

AUDITION REQUIREMENTS and ACCOMODATIONS

Please see Imani Winds Festival website for more information.

Interested in sponsoring a student?

Sponsor a student's scholarship, underwrite a fellowship instrument chair or simply make a tax-deductible contribution to the Imani Winds Chamber Music Festival.

Jade Simmons on Piano in Ritz Chamber Players Debut Wednesday, January 19, 2011, 7:30 p.m.

Jade Simmons - Piano
Ritz Chamber Players Debut
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Jacoby Symphony Hall
Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts
Jacksonville, Florida
7:30 p.m.

http://www.ritzchamberplayers.org

ASALH: 'Sponsor Youth at the 85th Annual Black History Month Luncheon,' Feb. 26

Mr. Lerone Bennett Sylvia Y. Cyrus of ASALH sends us this announcement: Sponsor Youth at the 85th Annual Black History Month Luncheon Saturday, February 26, 2011!

If you are unable to travel for the luncheon or cannot attend for any reason, sponsoring a group of our youth volunteers is an excellent way to make your presence known and to have a profound effect on them. To find out more about sponsoring a table of youth, please call ASALH at 202.865.0053 and ask to speak to Ms. Sylvia Y. Cyrus, Executive Director.