Musicians of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra performed works by Black composers on January 16 at the Missouri History Museum. Photo by Taylor Marrie | St. Louis American.
In Friday’s (1/23) St. Louis American, Kenya Vaughn writes, “Every seat in the Missouri History Museum’s Lee Auditorium was filled Friday night for a gathering that honored the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by celebrating Blackness through the lens of classical music. ‘Let It Resound: The Legacy of Black Composers’ brought together musicians of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra and the voices of the IN UNISON Young Artists. It was presented by the Missouri Historical Society’s African American History Initiative. Much of the evening centered on the rediscovered brilliance of Florence Price—a composer whose name, for decades, nearly slipped through the cracks of history…. She mastered European classical traditions while remaining rooted in the Black musical life that shaped her…. The program also highlighted the next generation of Black composers … Nkeiru Okoye’s ‘Movements for String Quartet’ paid direct homage to Dr. King through a three‑part suite…. IN UNISON Director Kevin McBeth introduced another contemporary work, ‘Stardust,’ by Britney Boykin. ‘What if the people we lost to tragedy—Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery—what if they’re still with us?’ McBeth said, quoting Boykin….The haunting choral piece drew a lengthy ovation.” Also on the program were works by Ben E. King and Brandon Williams.
