The University of Liverpool’s hugely popular Lunchtime Concerts return online today, with each performance in the series featuring work by a black composer.
Here, we take a look at the black composers included in the run, who they are and why each particular piece of music was chosen:
14 October: University of Liverpool Instrumental Teachers Lockdown Band
Jump aboard Strayhorn’s Take the A Train and cool down with Water from An Ancient Well by Abdullah Ibrahim (fka Dollar Brand) in this set of jazz classics.
Abdullah Ibrahim – Water from An Ancient Well
Herbie Hancock – Watermelon Man
Billy Strayhorn – Take the A Train
Theolonius Monk – Blue Monk
Blue Mitchell – Fungii Mama
21 October: Members of the 18th Sinfonia
Igantius Sancho was an 18th century composer and social reformer and the first person of African descent to vote in a British general election. These short, characterful dances are performed on Baroque violin, cello and harpsichord.
Igantius Sancho – Minuets etc
28 October: Tom Kimmance (piano)
Lucien Lambert (snr) came from a family dynasty of fine musicians. Born as a free person of colour in New Orleans in the late 19th century he emigrated to France, then Brazil. This Grand Valse is a sparkling, Romantic work.
Lucien Lambert (snr) – Bresiliana: Grand Valse Brilliante
25 November: Mandy Burvill (clarinet)
Hailstork is an internationally renowned American composer and Professor of Music at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA. Smiles for Tracey humorously explores the range of the clarinet.
Adolphus Hailstork – Smile for Tracey (no.3)
9 December: Solem Quartet
Florence Price was the first noted African American female composer to gain national status. Recently, much of her music was rediscovered in an abandoned house that was once her home. A Summer Moon is an arrangement of a piano piece Price composed for her pupil the singer, jazz pianist, and social activist, Memry Midgett.
Florence Price – A Summer Moon
The University of Liverpool’s Lunchtime Concerts are developed and delivered by the Department of Music. Each performance begins at 1pm and tickets are free. To find out more, and book your spot, please visit www.liverpool.ac.uk/music/events/lunchtime-concert-series/