News Summary
On February 2, 2024, St. Petersburg hosted ‘A Message from the Roots,’ a showcase honoring Black composers. The event featured opera performances by local artists, education on classical music’s Black history, and aspirations to create future opportunities for young musicians. With strong community support, this showcase underscores the importance of inclusion and breaking barriers in the classical music realm.
St. Petersburg Celebrates Black Composers with Inspiring ‘A Message from the Roots’ Showcase
St. Petersburg has been buzzing with excitement, especially on February 2, 2024, when a heartwarming and much-needed event took place—“A Message from the Roots”. This showcase brought together local talent and celebrated the incredible contributions of Black composers, creating a space for both education and entertainment during Black History Month.
Opera and Inspiration at First Presbyterian Church
The event, hosted at the lovely First Presbyterian Church, featured the wonderfully talented opera singer Maiya Stevenson. She kicked off the night with a powerful rendition of “The Lord’s Prayer”, the only performance of the evening that wasn’t created or inspired by Black artists. This decision set the tone for what was to follow: an exploration of the rich landscape of African American contributions to classical music.
Stevenson, a shining star who graduated from Florida A&M University (FAMU), launched her own company, Afro Opera, back in 2017. Initially founded for her senior recital, the mission of Afro Opera has always been clear—to expose the Black community to the beauty of classical music while shining a spotlight on talented African American composers.
Showcasing Talent: A Night to Remember
As the showcase continued, audiences were treated to performances by Brittany Graham and Teia Watson, both esteemed Black opera singers, accompanied by pianist Austin Gaskin. The program included stunning pieces like Rhiannon Giddens’ “Julie’s Aria” and stunning classical arrangements of African American spirituals. These selections weren’t just pleasing to the ear; they were a beautiful blend of history, culture, and artistry that filled the church with an electric atmosphere.
Breaking Down Barriers
The inspiration behind this unique showcase stemmed from Stevenson’s desire to highlight classical pieces with Black roots, ignited by conversations within her community. She took this opportunity to educate her audience on an often-ignored fact: “Porgy and Bess”, an opera famously set in a Black neighborhood with an all-Black cast, was surprisingly not composed by a Black artist. This acknowledgment serves as a significant insight into the complexities surrounding the representation of Black creatives in classical music.
But this showcase isn’t the end of Stevenson’s mission. She aims to carry this momentum beyond just February, with hopes to commemorate various holidays. One exciting dream of hers includes creating a program to introduce classical music to children in Title I schools, ensuring that the future generations understand and appreciate their rich cultural heritage.
A Welcoming Space for All
Both Graham and Watson share Stevenson’s commitment to creating visible opportunities for Black talent in classical music, highlighting that their mission aligns beautifully with the goals of Afro Opera. Input from community leaders, such as Allyssa Jones from USF’s School of Music, affirms that issues related to access and representation for Black classical musicians remain prevalent. However, the “A Message from the Roots” showcase represents a pivotal moment in a larger movement within classical arts where Black composers and performers are gaining the recognition they deserve.
The Future Looks Bright
Ultimately, the event was a celebration, emphasizing the importance of breaking barriers and creating spaces for Black artists to thrive in the classical music world. Musical events like this add an exciting chapter in St. Petersburg’s cultural journey. With talent such as Stevenson, Graham, and Watson leading the charge, the future looks promising for greater visibility and inclusion in the realm of classical music, ensuring that stories of Black composers are not just heard but celebrated enthusiastically.
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Additional Resources
- Crows Nest St. Pete: Afro Opera Turns the Spotlight to Black Classical Artists
- Washington Classical Review: Oldest Known Opera by Black American Composer
- BBC News: Article on Classical Music and Diversity
- CBS News: Opera for Peace – A Master Class for Diversity in the Arts
- Broadway World: Opera in the Park – Spirituals and Arias by Black Composers
