Many recent events have underscored the continued presence of racism in the United States, with instances of racially motivated violence make headlines from Ferguson to Baltimore to Charleston to New York City. Throughout the country these issues are being debated and calls to action are being made. Today, Friday July 17, prominent voices of the classical music community will be added to the rising tide.
A concert entitled “The Dream Unfinished: A Symphonic Benefit for Civil Rights” will take place in New York City and all money raised will go to several organizations including: Center for Constitutional Rights; Justice League NYC; Music Kitchen-Food for the Soul; and the National Coalition of Law Enforcement Officers for Justice.
Watch the promotional video for the event here:
The program for the evening will include several works by William Grant Still, two works by Leonard Bernstein, and the World Premiere of a new work by Jessie Montgomery. Montgomery has long been associated with the Sphinx Organization, and will also be Composer-Educator for the Albany Symphony (2015-16).
As WPA President Liane Curtis already discussed, Julia Perry’s “Stabat Mater” would also make an excellent choice for this event – or a future one.
If you aren’t able to attend the concert, you can consider donating towards the cause.