South Bend Symphony Orchestra's 'American Composers' Celebrates Legacy Of Works By African American Composers

The South Bend Symphony Orchestra's American Composers concert on April 2, 2022, is a richlegacy of works by African American composers. Prioritizing to implement diversity into the 2021-22 Season, the fourth concert in the Jack M. Champaigne Masterworks Series will feature works by African American composers exclusively for the first time in the Symphony's history.

American Composers features A Joyous Trilogy by Quinn Mason, Piano Concerto in One Movement by Florence Price, and the Negro Folk Symphony by William Dawson as a testament to the Symphony's Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion statement in action.

For A Joyous Trilogy, Quinn Mason writes that he "wanted to create a composition that was the
very embodiment of happiness and cheerfulness, an accessible work that would put any listener in a good mood." The first movement, 'Running' gives the feeling of just that; the never-ending movement of the musicians and the non-stop energy of this section has the audience dashing along with it. While it seems that the excitement does not stop, 'Running' collides with
'Reflection,' Mason's second movement. This section is a sudden change that is a tender and
thought-provoking movement bringing audience members to move inward and examine
themselves and their thoughts. Finally, we come to the last movement, 'Renewal' which picks
some of that energy back up, however, becoming more vibrant and spirited. This fun intricate
section follows through to the end of the piece leaving the audience exuberant and ready for
more!

Next up is Piano Concerto in One Movement by Florence Price interpreted by the ever-sotalented Michelle Cann. Although it is technically in one movement, there are three distinct
sections played without a break. The first begins with a slow introduction, easing the audience
and carefully welcoming them into Price's world. The piece then quickly moves into the urgent
and melodious primary section. The concerto concludes with a sprightly example of a juba, a
folk dance that was popular in the years before the Civil War, and a memorial to those before
her.

Finally, William Dawson's Negro Folk Symphony finishes out this reflective evening. Also
represented in three parts this piece opens with 'The Bond of Africa' containing a soaring blues
gesture by a solo French horn. Not even a minute in, however, the strings interrupt with a tender
cinematic-like excerpt drawing the audience in to fully anticipate a spectacular performance. In
the second movement, 'Hope in the Night,' Dawson describes the atmosphere of a people who
have gone through the horrors of slavery but with a three gong strokes, denoting the Trinity, a
symbol of hope that guides man through the night. To finish off the piece, the third movement,
'O Le' Me Shine, Shine Like A Morning Star!' Dawson takes on a lighter perspective. Here, he
incorporates two African American melodies, "O Le' Me Shine, Le' Me Shine Like A Mornin'

PERFORMANCE DETAILS:

TICKETS

ONLINE - www.morriscenter.org/events/category/symphony

PHONE - Morris Performing Arts Center Box Office, 574-235-9190 (10 am - 2 pm,

Tuesday -Thursday)

IN-PERSON - Visit our friends at the Morris (211 N. Michigan St., South Bend) during

the times listed above or two hours before any performance.

VIEW the 2021-22 Season schedule, visit www.southbendsymphony.org.

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