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Donald Macleod and musicologist and pianist Dr Samantha Ege introduce the musical upbringing of African American pioneer composer Margaret Bonds.

Margaret Bonds (1913-1972) was one of the most important composers and pianists of her time. She wrote several dozens of art songs, arranged many traditional spirituals, and composed large-scale cantatas. From her native Chicago where she was the first black performer to play with the Symphony Orchestra to the buzzing stages of New York where she set poetic gems to music, and at a time of racial discrimination and fight for civil rights, her story is one of determination, friendship, and absolute dedication to music-making. As such, the programme does include some language of the period.

In this first programme, we explore Bonds' early life in 1920s Chicago, at the time of a major literary and artistic Renaissance. In a house filled with music, with her mother Estella at its head, she grew up surrounded by the most fascinating and creative figures.

Joy
Conspirare
Carla McElhaney, piano
Craig Hella Johnson, conductor

Trad, arr Bonds: Little David Play on Your Harp
Louise Toppin, soprano
John O’Brien, piano

The Pasture
Louise Toppin, soprano
John O’Brien, piano

Spiritual Suite; No 1, The Valley of the Bones
Samantha Ege, piano

To a Brown Dead Girl
Malcolm J. Merriweather, baritone
Ashley Jackson, harp

Trad, arr Bonds: Lord, I Just Can’t Keep from Cryin’
Angela Brown, soprano
Tyron Cooper, guitar

Florence Price: Fantasie Nègre No 1 in E minor
Samantha Ege, piano

Flamenco
Althea Waites, piano

Tangamerican
Althea Waites, piano

Simon Bore the Cross (mvts VI and VII)
Janinah Burnett, soprano
The Dessoff Choirs
Malcolm J. Merriweather, conductor

Produced by Julien Rosa
A ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Audio Wales & West production for ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Radio 3