Raymond Jones continues his celebration of Black History Month with a carefully curated selection of music that highlights the depth and richness of African American musical heritage. Tune in to WHRO FM 90.3, or listen online, this Wednesday at 9 p.m. and join us for this special tribute.
We begin the evening with the “Afro-American Suite” by Undine Smith Moore, often referred to as the "Dean of Black Women Composers." Performed by flutist Laurel Zucker, cellist Jia-Mo Chen, and pianist John Cozza, this four-movement suite draws inspiration from traditional spirituals, reimagined through innovative harmonic techniques. After that, The American Brass Quintet will deliver a stunning performance of Ed Bland’s “Brass Quintet,” a standout work that showcases the composer’s unique voice.
Our tribute to Black History Month, highlighting Virginia’s musical connections, continues with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra. First, enjoy Adolphus Hailstork’s Piano Concerto, featuring pianist Leon Bates under the direction of JoAnn Falletta. Then, experience a special performance from last April, as Maestro Thomas Wilkins leads the VSO in a spirited and rhythmically dynamic interpretation of Zoltán Kodály’s “Dances of Galánta”—a performance sure to uplift and inspire.
Harvey Stokes' sophisticated String Quartet No. 1 will take center stage, performed by the Oxford Quartet. This piece masterfully blends the classical string quartet tradition with a modern and expressive approach.
We close the night with Virginia-born violin wizard Hilary Hahn in a stunning performance of Shostakovich’s Violin Concerto No. 1. and we will also visit Hollins College to hear pianist Gloria Whitehurst Phillips and the Feldman Quartet perform “Blue Symphony” by American composer Herbert Elwell.
Don’t miss this week’s edition of “A Local Touch – Music with a Virginia Connection,” airing Wednesday at 9 p.m., as we continue our Black History Month celebration with outstanding performances rooted in Virginia.
