Orchestra, museum present sounds of black composers
Craig Belcher | 5/18/2023, 6 p.m.
The Richmond Symphony’s Big Tent concert series comes to Abner Clay Park for the first time on May 27 at 7 p.m. The free event in the recently renovated park features the music of noted black composers such as, Florence Price, Joseph Bologne (the subject of the recent film “Chevalier”), and Virginia resident Adolphus Hailstork.
“We felt like it was a perfect place to do it,” said Matt Wilshire, the Richmond Symphony’s director of artistic planning and orchestra operations, who learned about the park’s history on a recent walking tour of the area.
The concert, conducted by Chia-Hsuan Lin, also features soloists Katerina Burton, a Maryland resident, and Isaac Willson, a violin- ist in the symphony’s youth orchestra.
The event is a product of partnership between the the symphony and the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia. It is in conjunction with the Children’s Book & Music Festival hosted at the museum. The festival, which began earlier this month, connected speakers and musicians with local first and second graders who participated in the program.
“With literacy as the overarching connection, The Children’s Book & Music Festival engages children in informative and educational programs that capture their senses,” a press release states. “Through tours, hands-on activities, and special presentations and events, children learn about the stories of Virginia’s African American people that inspire.”
The museum will be open and have family activities leading up to the concert. During the performance, two artists with local ties, Sone-Seeré Burrell and David Marion will create paintings. The pieces created will be auctioned and the funds donated to the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia.
The rain date for the concert is May 28, also at 7 p.m.