African American Classical Composers

Claflin University will present a series of public lecture-recitals featuring South Carolina African American classical composers in August 2013. SC Humanities supported this project with Major Grant funds in September 2012.

Researchers at Claflin University recognized that there was little to no documentation of African American composers of classical music with ties to South Carolina. They implemented a plan to identify and promote these composers through a website and a series of public lecture-recitals around the state in 2013. Three public programs have already taken place in January, February, and April 2013, and, due to the enthusiastic response, four additional lecture-recitals will take place in August.

Each program will include a lecture by Dr. Laura Keith as well as selections of compositions by three noted composers with ties to South Carolina: Trevor Weston (b. 1967), John Lane (b. 1972), and Cedric Adderley (b. 1965). More information about the three composers can be found here, and the full recital program is available here for download. Please note that The Claflin University Wind Ensemble will only play at the program on August 26, 2013 at Claflin University in Orangeburg.

The details for the four events are available below:

August 22 | 07:00 pm
African American Composers of Classical Music – Recital and Lecture
Featuring music composed by Cedric Adderley, Trevor Weston, and John Lane
Lecture by Dr. Laura Keith and performances by Dr. Eunjung Choi (piano), Lori Hicks (soprano), and Lisa Bartholow (flute)
Sponsored by Claflin University
Location: South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts and Humanities (Smith Recital Hall), 15 University Street, Greenville, SC 29601
Free and open to the public
Info: 803-535-5355

August 25 | 04:00 pm
African American Composers of Classical Music – Recital and Lecture
Featuring music composed by Cedric Adderley, Trevor Weston, and John Lane
Lecture by Dr. Laura Keith and performances by Dr. Eunjung Choi (piano), Lori Hicks (soprano), and Lisa Bartholow (flute)
Sponsored by Claflin University
Location: Christ Episcopal Church, 534 Plantation Road, Lancaster, SC 29720
Free and open to the public
Info: 803-535-5355

August 26 | 07:00 pm
African American Composers of Classical Music – Recital and Lecture
Featuring music composed by Cedric Adderley, Trevor Weston, and John Lane
Lecture by Dr. Laura Keith and performances by Dr. Eunjung Choi (piano), Lori Hicks (soprano), and Lisa Bartholow (flute)
Also featuring the Claflin University Wind Ensemble, directed by Patrick Carney
Sponsored by Claflin University
Location: Claflin University (W.V. Middleton Fine Arts Center), 400 Magnolia Street, Orangeburg, SC 29115
Free and open to the public
Info: 803-535-5355

August 28 | 07:00 pm
African American Composers of Classical Music – Recital and Lecture
Featuring music composed by Cedric Adderley, Trevor Weston, and John Lane
Lecture by Dr. Laura Keith and performances by Dr. Eunjung Choi (piano), Lori Hicks (soprano), and Lisa Bartholow (flute)
Sponsored by Claflin University
Location: Anderson University (Henderson Auditorium), 316 Boulevard, Anderson, SC 29621
Free and open to the public
Info: 803-535-5355

For more information about the concert series or the project to promote African American composers of classical music with ties to South Carolina, please contact Dr. Eunjung Choi at Claflin University at 803-535-5355.

The mission of SC Humanities is to enrich the cultural and intellectual lives of all South Carolinians. SC Humanities programs and initiatives are balanced, reflecting sensitivity to the diversity of ideas, encourage open dialogue, demonstrate integrity, and are ethical in operations.