Composer Time Machine
All great heroes from history need to be transported to the future. It’s a rule. Why should it be different with historical composers? That’s why we created our own Time Machine. So far, we’ve transported two, with a third one on the way this year…
Next Up: Manuel Ponce
A Mexican composer from the early 1900’s, Manuel was instrumental (no pun intended) in creating a nationalist style of music for the Mexican people. He loved Mexican folk songs, and used them as inspiration for the fancy music he would write for the Bourgeoise ruling class. As his music made its way into the chambers of fancy halls, Mexican Bourgeoise society could not help but fall in love with his beautiful renditions of songs, piano works, guitar works, and symphonies. We are excited to transport him at a time in his life when he is just starting to use his beloved Mexican folk music to create a truly national art music that could be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of social class. His work with famous guitarist, Andre Segovia, pushed the boundaries of what the guitar could do when given the proper artistic attention it deserved.
Check out past composers and their final goodbye concerts here:
Dame Ethel Smyth
A Maverick undoubtedly. Ethel Smyth was a composer, women's rights activist, and all around boss. She defied gender norms, and was unapologetically herself, a queer woman, in a British early 20th century society that wanted anything but diversity. She wrote the anthem for the Women’s Suffrage movement, threw bricks through Parliament members’ windows, and wrote some of the most beautiful vocal works we’ve ever heard. Check it all out here in our live online digital concert we produced during quarantine, with performances by a professional opera singer, Kira Lesser, and Q and A’s with the Dame herself.
Joseph Bologne Chevalier de St. George
Joseph Bologne. Master violinist, composer, and swordsman. One of the most successful black figures in Europe in the 1700’s. He played for Marie Antoinette, he won duels in England, and even made Mozart jealous with his violin virtuoso skills. He fought for justice in the French Revolution, leading an all black military unit to victory. Check it all out here in our live online digital concert we produced during quarantine, featuring his music performed by professional musicians, and Q and A’s with the maestro himself.