Thursday, May 31, 2012

CharlotteObserver.com: Charlotte Civic Orchestra seeks 'African-American church' for 'tribute to the likes of William Grant Still'


[William Grant Still (Photo is the sole property of William Grant Still Music, and is used with permission]

This Charlotte Civic Orchestra conductor spreads the joys of the classics around town
By Lawrence Toppman
Posted: Wednesday, May 30, 2012

You would expect a guy who came to Charlotte from Australia (via Indiana) to be cosmopolitan. You’d also expect a pedagogue who wrote a book called “A College Level Tuba Curriculum” to be knowledgeable. And you’d expect a fellow who likes to buy the complete recorded works of composers on CD – even composers he doesn’t especially enjoy – to be passionate about the music he plays and conducts. You’d be right on all three counts.”

Most maestros wouldn’t be expected to chase around the city looking for venues, either, but that’s part of Whitehead’s job: He’s still searching for an African-American church to hold the fall 2012 concert, a tribute to the likes of William Grant Still.”

[William Grant Still (1895-1978) is profiled at AfriClassical.com, which features a comprehensive Works List by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma, http://www.CasaMusicaledeLerma.com]


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