We’d like to highlight just a few of the many many Juneteenth Celebrations that will be taking place across the US over the next week, with some orchestras also featuring women composers.
The Minnesota Orchestra’s Juneteenth Celebration is today Friday June 14, and includes Margaret Bonds’ Benediction from her Montgomery Variations, and William Grant Still’s Festive Overture, as well as works by living African American composers.
Sat. June 15, Boston Landmarks Orchestra offers a fantastic event with Castle of our Skins, and soprano Brianna J. Robinson, however it is already sold out ☹
June 16: Galveston (TX) is where Juneteenth originated, and so of course the town observes the holiday in a big way, including a concert by the Galveston Symphony Orchestra and Heritage Chorale in the 1894 Grand Opera House. It includes music by Florence Price, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, and Duke Ellington. Info here (Instagram) and on their Juneteenth Website.
And on June 19 (Wed.) The Springfield (MA) Symphony Orchestra celebrates with a Freedom Day Concert including Courtney Bryan’s “White Gleam of Our Bright Star” and Avery Sharpe’s epic ‘400 Project,’ a Jazz exploration of the history of African Americans in the US.
We know there are many more events taking place, let us know about ones including women composers that we’ve missed! And have a great Juneteenth, celebrating freedom! [email protected]
Kevin Scott directs the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, with composer and bassist Avery Sharpe