The Hartford Symphony Orchestra will break down barriers and bring classical music out of the concert hall at “The Journey…Connecting with Africa,” the final “Musical Dialogues” concert of the 2008-2009 season on Sunday, May 24, 2009 at 3:00 p.m. at the Charter Oak Cultural Center in Hartford.
Local performers from Sankofa Kuumba will lead discussions and ask questions from the audience as they collaborate with Hartford Symphony percussionist Gene Bozzi, bassist Rick Rozie, and members of the HSO string section to take listeners on a journey through the music, dance, and stories of Africa.
“Musical Dialogues” promotes increased awareness of classical music among members of the African American and Latino communities throughout Greater Hartford and beyond. Staged in intimate, public settings, the performances feature an array of diverse musicians and conversations with the artists. The Musical Dialogues Series is made possible by a generous grant from the Travelers Foundation.
The May 24th program at the Charter Oak Cultural Center will trace the roots of African music and how it evolved upon arriving on foreign shores. Drummers and dancers from Sankofa Kuumba and musicians from the HSO will guide the audience through the evolution of African music in western civilization.
Listeners will hear how Eurocentric “classical” composition influenced traditional African music, and how African music influenced the western “classical” style. Also highlighting this program will be a world premiere of an original work for string quartet, marimba, bass, and drums by Wesleyan composer, Jay Hoggard.
Founded in 1986, Sankofa Kuumba Cultural Arts Consortium is dedicated to learning, preserving and teaching the richness and astonishing beauty of African culture through dance, music, storytelling, and the visual arts. Its mission is to uplift children and youth of color in the Greater Hartford area by teaching them their history and setting positive goals for their future.
Sankofa Kuumba is dedicated to teaching children of all backgrounds a better understanding and appreciation of African history and culture with its many contributions to American life and arts. Sankofa includes up to 30 dancers, drummers, visual artists, and storytellers in its educational programs and performances. -- www.hartfordsymphony.org
Comment and add to the story without registration, but keep the comments meaningful please. Links are not accepted.
