I was honored to meet over 70 black classical musicians at Carnegie Music Hall, Pittsburgh recently. Classical music played by those of your culture has to be experienced to be truly appreciated. Pittsburgh declared a proclamation that evening that they would honor the African American slaves…more on this later, but here’s what CASOP is about:
A true marriage between West African and European classical traditions, Casop: A Requiem for Rice is a modern and African-American inspired take on a classic requiem in the spirit of Verdi, Mozart, Faure, and Britten.
It mourns the souls of the enslaved who died on Lowcountry rice plantations, their bodies unburied, their suffering unmourned, and their sacrifices unmarked for future generations.
Orchestra at rehearsals
The Colour of Music Festival’s Orchestral Debut of “Casop: A Requiem for Rice” on February 13, featured libretto which recovers the voices of the enslaved by acclaimed historian and executive producer, Dr. Edda L. Fields-Black, and original score by composer, three-time Emmy Award-winner John Wineglass. The performance was heart rendering, tears of sadness and joy for the performance were everywhere!
L-R: Lee Pringle, Founder & Artistic Director Colour of Music Festival. Jim Cunningham, WQED-FM Morning Show host, Maestro Leslie Dunner.
CASOP was commissioned by the Pittsburgh Foundation Benjamin Harris Memorial Fund and Nicky Horvitz Gordon Memorial Fund, the Heinz Endowments Small Arts Initiative, and the Opportunity Fund.
Leave A Comment