Thursday, June 10, 2010

Afro-American Chamber Music Society Orchestra in 'The Glory Hallelujah Piano Concerto' of Howlett Smith, 2 PM June 11


[Howlett Smith]

Janise White has been featured by AfriClassical numerous times. For example, we have written about the Black Symphonist Concert, an event which took place in both 2008 and 2009.

“Dear Friends, Looking forward to seeing you at the upcoming concert!
Janise White, Concert Pianist/Organist/Conductor is tenured Professor of Music at West Los Angeles College and Founder and Conductor of the Afro-American Chamber Music Society Orchestra.”

“Introducing…
The Afro-American Chamber Music Society Orchestra
Janise White, Music Director
'The multiracial orchestra played with the utmost polish, together and with joy.'
Los Angeles Times”

“Howlett Smith is a blind jazz pianist who has performed on General Hospital for years with his trio and two years on the Arthur Godfrey network radio show. He was Musical Director of the Broadway show 'Me and Bessie.' He is a composer, director, accompanist, vocal coach and singer, and whistles in two part harmony! He is producing three cantatas 'Follow Him,' 'He's Rison' and 'Christmas Cantata.' Smitty is a graduate of the University of Arizona with a BM degree. He has composed over 200 songs, with 'Little Altar Boy' probably being the most famous.”

“On Friday, June 11, 2010 at 2 pm the Afro-American Chamber Music Society Orchestra will premiere 'The Glory Hallelujah Piano Concerto' containing 16 variations in every musical genre from classical to avant garde jazz, including a Gospel section. The thirty-two minute work is based on the popular Civil War hymn 'Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory of the Coming of the Lord,' however it is named for its 'Glory Hallelujah Chorus' which was sung in both Confederate and Union Armies to lift their spirits. This is a wonderful work exhibiting influences of Gershwin, Beethoven, Chopin, McCoy Tyner and Grieg. I am honored to premiere this work for Smitty. This will be a WORLD PREMIERE and probably Smitty's first piano concerto and the first piano concerto of this magnitude.”

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