The New Haven Symphony Orchestra has named pianist/composer Michael Brown composer in residence from 2017 to 2019. The residency will culminate in the NHSO’s performance of Brown’s Symphony No. 1 (“Amistad”), commissioned for the orchestra’s 125th anniversary. The symphony commemorates a famous episode in New Haven history: the 1839 capture of a slave ship, La Amistad, off the coast of Long Island and the subsequent trial that ultimately led to a Supreme Court decision vindicating the West African slaves who had commandeered the ship following a violent rebellion at sea. The residency also includes working with area high-school composers on writing a piece to be performed in a public concert in May 2018. In September 2017, Brown will perform Beethoven’s Triple Concerto with the NHSO, with cellist Nicholas Canellakis and violinist Elena Urioste, and in February 2018, he will perform Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 20 in D minor with the orchestra.
Posted July 10, 2017
