Sounds of the Renaissance
By Hailey Stangebye
Urban Strings Columbus joined forces with the New Albany High School Chamber Orchestra to perform a series of pieces inspired by the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance on Saturday, Oct. 6 at The Jeanne McCoy Center for the Arts.
The young musicians brought a wide range of music to life — from the iconic St. Louis Blues, to an original piece, “Sankofa,” by contemporary composer Mark Lomax, II, PhD. The final piece, “Reflections of a Rebirth” by Matthew Brazofsky, was also a modern composition.
Both composers attended to watch the students perform their respective pieces.
Bettye J. Stull, independent curator and Harlem Renaissance consultant, announces the “Journey to Harlem Exhibition” that immediately followed the orchestra performance.
Following the performance, the attendants were invited to a reception to mingle, eat and enjoy a gallery of artwork curated to honor the Harlem Renaissance. On display were photographs by Marshall Shorts and portraits carved out of wood by Percy King.
The event was a beautiful melody of music, art and community, all of which came together to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance. Bravo!
Aaron Wilburn, director of orchestras at New Albany Local Schools, introduces the collaborative performance between Urban Strings and the New Albany High School Chamber Orchestra.
Students perform pieces inspired by the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance at The Jeanne McCoy Center for the Arts on Sat., Oct. 6.
Students perform pieces inspired by the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance at The Jeanne McCoy Center for the Arts on Sat., Oct. 6.
Dr. Mark Lomax, II talks about the inspiration for his piece, “Sankofa,” which was performed by the orchestra.
Students perform pieces inspired by the spirit of the Harlem Renaissance at The Jeanne McCoy Center for the Arts on Sat., Oct. 6.
Armond Wimberley conducts the orchestra for their performance of “Sankofa.”
Matthew Brazofsky announces his original work, “Reflections of a Rebirth,” at the performance on Sat. Oct., 6 at the Jeanne McCoy Center for The Arts.
Members of Urban Strings and the New Albany High School Chamber Orchestra stand to take a bow after performing “Reflections of a Rebirth,” by Matthew Brazofsky.
