Concerts, Recitals and Lectures Set for Black Music Symposium

Named for its founder, the late and beloved Dr. Eddie Jones, the Black Music Symposium is the University of Arkansas' annual tribute to the music contributions of Black Americans. This year, the symposium will host Jacqueline Hairston, niece and historian of composer Jester Hairston; Leo Davis, minister of worship and arts at Mississippi Boulevard Christian Church in Memphis, Tennessee, and nationally recognized expert on Black music in the church; and composer Stacey V. Gibbs, who has quickly become one of the most widely recognized arrangers of African American Spirituals for choirs.

This year's theme focuses on the performance practice of the African American Spiritual and Art Songs by African American composers. Hairston, with sopranos Manna KnJoi and Kimberley Davis, will present a recital titled "Music Celebrating the African Diaspora." Davis will present a recital on the performance practice for spirituals for organ as well as a lecture on the history of music in the Black church. The entire event will conclude with a concert by the combined Community Chorus, the U of A Schola Cantorum and the U of A Inspirational Chorale!

The events of the week are as follows:

• Wednesday, January 27
  7:30 p.m. – Recital: "Music Celebrating the African Diaspora"  
  Featuring composer Jacqueline Hairston, Kimberley Davis (soprano), Manna KnJoi (soprano), and Jeffrey Allen Murdock (tenor). This concert will outline the history of Black music from the dawn of slavery to present-day, with commentary by renowned Black Music Scholar, Jacqueline Butler Hairston.
  Jim and Joyce Faulkner Performing Arts Center – free and open to the public
• Friday, Jan. 29
  7:30 p.m. – Organ Recital with Leo Davis
  Davis, national expert on the organ music of Black Composers and the history of music in the Black Church, will present a recital focusing on the organ music of African-American Composers. Special tribute will be given to the organ music or Arkansas Native Florence Price.
  Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall – free and open to the public.
• Saturday, Jan. 30
  7:30 p.m. – Choral Concert featuring the University of Arkansas Inspirational Chorale, University of Arkansas Schola Cantorum, Northwest Arkansas Community Gospel Chorus.
  As a prelude to Black History Month, this concert will honor the choral music of Black Americans and the music of the Black Church. Featuring an array of spirituals, gospel songs, and hymns, this concert promises to inspire and uplift!  
  Jim and Joyce Faulkner Performing Arts Center – $10 adults; $5 students and seniors