September 14 – 15

Artina McCain, Soloist, Piano

The outstanding pianist Artina McCain joins Orchestra Nova NW in an inaugural concert highlighting the long-overlooked contributions of Black composers and artists to classical music. Music Director, Steven Byess has curated an exquisite program featuring work by Pulitzer Prize winner George Walker, Florence Price — the first black female composer to have a symphony performed by a major American orchestra – and Ghanaian-American composer Fred Onovwerosuoke. Passionate and dynamic, this concert brings into focus an essential thread in the fabric of American music.

Program:

FRED ONOVWEROSUOKE   Dance Tribute for Orchestra and Piano Obbligato
GEORGE WALKER   Lyric for Strings
FLORENCE PRICE   Piano Concerto in D Minor in One Movement
FLORENCE PRICE   Symphony No. 1 in E Minor

Essence American is Generously Sponsored by Harold Goldstein and Carol Streeter