Richmond County Orchestra Presents A NEW WORLD

Kicking off their 18th season the Richmond County Orchestra (RCO) presents: A New World featuring the world premiere of Cape Coast Castle by Joyce Solomon Moorman. Adding to the excitement of a new venue and new season is the opportunity following the performance for audience members to meet the composer of Cape Coast Castle Joyce Solomon Moorman.

In addition the RCO will perform an "Academic Festival Overture" by Brahms and Symphony #9 the New World Symphony by Dvorak as part of the New York Philharmonic's New World Initiative.

Cape Coast Castle, by New York composer, Dr. Joyce Solomon Moorman musically depicts The Door of No Return and The Door of Return which was inspired by a recent tour of the slave holding castle in Ghana. The first movement, "Door of No Return," depicts the castle in the 1700s during the slave trade to a musical composition. The second movement, Door of Return," also reflects with music and depicts with a slideshow the return to Ghana of descendants of an African or Africans who were enslaved at Cape Coast Castle.

Dr. Solomon Moorman, a commissioned composer, was born in the campus hospital of Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama. Her childhood was spent in Columbia, South Carolina, where she attended segregated public elementary and high schools. She earned her B. A. degree from Vassar College, the M. A. T. degree from Rutgers University, the M. F. A. degree from Sarah Lawrence College, and the Ed. D. degree from Columbia University.

Dr. Solomon Moorman is an Associate Professor and accomplished pianist who teaches music classes in the Music and Art Department at Borough of Manhattan Community College.

The New York Philharmonic's New World Initiative (NWI) is a season-long, citywide project revolving around Dvo?ák's Symphony No. 9, From the New World, and its theme of "home" through performances, community outreach, and education projects on the occasion of the Philharmonic's 175th anniversary season, honoring the Orchestra's hometown and its role as an adopted home for many.

The Richmond County Orchestra has been providing an annual coaching program for Curtis High School since 2009. This year's expanded 10 week coaching program was made possible with a CASA (Cultural After-School Adventures) from Councilwoman Rose & NYC Department of Cultural Affairs.