Grammy-nominated composer Carlos Simon has curated a new program for the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, which highlights local artists, including the Spelman and Morehouse College Glee Clubs.
On Feb. 15 and 16, ASO conductor Jonathan Taylor Rush will lead the orchestra in a program that features noted works by Simon, known for imbuing a powerful social conscience into his works and exploring contemporary life in Black America.
“I have curated this program with thinking about Black identity, social justice, anti-racism, perseverance, healing and a call to action for a better tomorrow,” Simon said.
The concert’s finale is “bread(th),” a work commissioned from Simon by the Minnesota Symphony Orchestra last April, which includes a libretto from Bamuthi, a spoken word artist, about the work about the killing of George Floyd.
“We talk about the killing in brea(d)th, but it’s more about the future and what we need to do collectively to make sure this doesn’t happen again, and being aware of how much work needs to be done for equity,” Simon said.
Bamuthi, who currently serves as the vice president and artistic director of social impact at the Kennedy Center, will be on hand to perform his part at both concerts.
“It is impossible to truly quantify the impact of the Historically Black College and University (specifically Morehouse and Spelman) on the nation and the world,” Simon said. “Particularly in music, many students—like me—come to the music department with little or no experience in technical training in music, but somehow leave the institution proficient enough to make lasting and iconic imprints on the music industry.”
The concert also features an adaptation of “We Shall Overcome” by Dr. Uzee Brown Jr., a professor in the music department at Morehouse College.
For more information, visit aso.org.
Photo: Composer Carlos Simon
