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Seasons Greetings Friends,

Be part of the mission. Make a tax-deductible contribution. Or send checks payable to Myrtle Hart Society to: Myrtle Hart Society, 4800 S. Chicago Beach Drive, Suite 2008S, Chicago IL 60615. If you want to be included in an upcoming edition of the eNewsletter, just email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or click reply to the sender.

South Bronx, New York native, Marcus Thompson is a distinguished performer both on viola and viola d'amore. A multi-faceted artist, he is equally esteemed as recitalist, orchestral soloist, chamber musician, recording artist and educator. He was recently announced as the new Artistic Director of the Boston Chamber Music Society, which has since its inception in 1982, been led by cellist Ronald Thomas '74.

In addition to his busy performing career, Mr. Thompson serves on the Board of Project STEP, is a member of Chamber Music America and the American String Teachers Association. He is also a member of the Viola d'Amore Society and of the American Viola Society. Mr. Thompson served as host director for the 1985 American Viola Society Congress XIII held at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston.

On his website, you can listen to two excerpts from Rameau's Troisieme Concert, performed at the Harvard Musical Association, with Peter Sykes, Harpsichord, Marcus Thompson, Viola d'Amore, and Laura Jeppesen, Viola da Gamba. Recording courtesy of Lee Eiseman.

B.M., M.S., D.M.A., The Juilliard School. Violin studies with Louise Behrend. Viola with Walter Trampler. Additional studies with Abraham Skernick, Michael Avsharian, and Ivan Galamian. Chamber music studies with the Juilliard, Amadeus, and Netherlands string quartets and Joseph Gingold. Recordings on Vox/Turnabout, Centaur, and with the Boston Chamber Music Society on Northeastern. Former faculty of the Juilliard School Pre-College Division, Oakwood College, Wesleyan University, Mount Holyoke College. Currently Robert R. Taylor Professor of Music and a Margaret MacVicar Faculty Fellow at MIT, where he is director of performance and chamber music studies.

Undoubtedly, many post-November 4 conversations around dinner tables and water coolers involved folks preparing their future speeches to youths of color-- "See? You really CAN be the President!" Similarly, many journalists began pointing to the victory as an indication that the world had changed, that it had become culturally-accepting (i.e. less discriminatory). President-elect Obama was hoisted into the spotlight as the catalyst of this global change... But is he the reason that Porgy and Bess was finally produced for the first time in Chicago Lyric's 54-year history?

New City Stage critic Dennis Polkow has plenty o' sumthin to say about the Chicago Lyric Opera's first-ever performance of George Gershwin's "Porgy and Bess." He begins his diatribe with the question...

Why then, did it take more than half a century-not to mention that the piece was already some 20 years old when Lyric first opened its doors-for "Porgy" to have a hearing at Lyric?

One reason is the enormous expense involved in recruiting and training an entirely new chorus for a single work since the Gershwin estate mandates African-American performers even as choristers, and there are currently only two African-Americans singing in the entire Lyric Opera Chorus... If blacks and whites attended the same theater at all at that time, which was rare, they were often still segregated. And this was a show about black life written by, well, white guys. Having African-Americans portray even the smallest roles in a show where perceived African-American culture is appropriated by persons of privilege becomes a form of affirmative-action art and an apologetic attempt to counteract the charge that "Porgy and Bess" remains a high-class, even if gloriously tune-filled, relic of the minstrel-show era.

What impact do YOU think President-elect Obama will have on the classical arts, especially as concerns people of color? Leave your comments.

"Porgy and Bess" plays through December 19 at the Civic Opera House, Wacker Drive at Madison, (312)332-2244.

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, location in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio, first opened its doors in August 2004. The museum is just steps away from the banks of the Ohio River, the great natural barrier that separated slave from free states. The barrier exemplifies the remarkable story of enslaved men, women and children who crossed over the river on their freedom journey. These individuals and families were often assisted by other men and women of all backgrounds (some abolitionists) who opposed slavery and who worked to create a secret network of escape routes that came to be called "the Underground Railroad."

If you are unable to travel to Cincinnati to experience the museum's physical setting, visit their website for detailed information about Underground Railroad history, as well as descriptions and images of their inspiring, educational exhibits. The website chronicles their education initiatives, community enhancement programs, blogs, and open discussions about today's important issues, including human trafficking. Their "purpose in presenting this information is to inspire you to action, in the spirit of the 19th Century Abolitionists, to pursue justice and freedom for all people."

From the website:
Everett N. Jones III, the Director of the 2008 William Grant Still Music Festival, will open the concert with valuable insight into these rarely heard masterpieces and miniatures. Featured performers are Heidi Yenney, viola, Jessica Madsen, piano, Peggy Grant, oboe, Barbara Mitchell Lambert, flute, Jennifer Cruz, piano, Dorthy White Okpebholo, viola, and Seta Bartesch, piano.

This concert is part of the 2008 William Grant Still Festival (December 1-6, 2008), commemorating the 30th anniversary of the death of the composer, and is a collaboration between The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, The National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center, The Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, and Wilberforce University, and is generously supported by the National Endowment of the Arts.

Concert of Solo Piano and Chamber Works by William Grant Still, the "Dean of African-American Composers." December 02, 2008 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM . Admission is free.

Please contact Dr. Jessica L. Madsen at (513) 631-6989 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it with any questions.

More information »

Terrance Oliveras-Gray is a nationally and internationally recognized violinist and conductor. He has performed as a member of the American Arts Trio, the Tower Ensemble and Connoisseur Musica. In 1998, he was nominated for "Musician of the Year" by Chicago AFM 10-208. He studied violin and conducting at DePaul University with Ruben Gonzales, Marc Zinger, and Elizabeth Grabow Mueller (violin) and Michael Morgan, Dr. Gregory Lyons, and Gordon Peters (conducting).

By 1992, Mr. Gray had established himself as principal conductor and music director of the South Side Family Chamber Orchestra. In 1994, he became the Associate Conductor of the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO) about which, he states, "The music, the learning, the friendships, and the fun are what make the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras so great."

He is currently on the faculty of the Sherwood Conservatory and the People's Music School; a member of the Chicago Sinfonietta; and concertmaster of the New Black Repertory Ensemble.

The CYSO's Concert Orchestra performs works by Schubert, Elgar and Alfven on Wednesday, December 10, 7:30pm in the Sidney R. Yates Gallery at the Chicago Cultural Center www.chicagoculturalcenter.org

My first opera:  A Review of Margaret Garner 
by Riley Brown

11/9/08: The Auditorium Theatre-Chicago was the setting for this tale of horror, pain, and redemption, based on a true story of a slave named Margaret Garner.  In 1856, the news shocked a nation heading toward Civil War: A slave mother who escaped her Kentucky master and, upon capture in Ohio, killed her own child rather than be forced back into a life of slavery. In this new version of the story, the slave family survives through hard work and love. When the family tastes freedom for the first time, a posse hunts them down, and Margaret feels she has no choice but to destroy the very people she loves most. She sings, "Never to be born again into slavery!" 

The role of Margaret Garner was sung by mezzo-soprano Tracie Luck. At a key moment, she sings of what she calls her "secret soul" which no master can take away. "No pretty words can ease or cure what heavy hands can do when sorrow is deep the secret soul keeps its quality, love."  This sentiment is what touched me most about this opera.  To know that there is something inside the essence of who you are which remains intact, that no one can touch or take away from you. It's like knowledge. It can't be taken away. I think this is the knowledge of the soul. This really describes, in this particular aria, who Margaret Garner is.

In the opera, as in real life, Margaret Garner was charged with destruction of property because her child was owned by a slave master. In the opera, Garner is sentenced to hang. Though granted a reprieve, she lets herself fall to her death. She longed to live peacefully, in a just world, and gained her "freedom" by hanging herself.  The chorus, whites and blacks together, seeks forgiveness. "Have mercy, have mercy on us. Help us break through the night."  There was a kind of restoration, a redemption that the opera offered via its music, its words, its singers and its staging to the audience so that upon leaving you knew more, you felt more (and  more deeply) that somehow you are more capable than you did when you came in.

Attending this opera only 5 days following the historic election of the first black president of the United States made the huge rift that existed in this nation 150 years ago almost seem miniscule in comparison.  American history is filled with travesties, sacrifices and struggles.  By remembering them and learning from them, we can be inspired to do things that once upon a time, might have seemed a physical impossibility.  Margaret Garner is a story of love, strength, peace and enlightenment. 

Librettist Toni Morrison, collaborating with Grammy-winning composer Richard Danielpour, along with remarkable singers Tracie Luck, Chicago native Greg Baker (Robert Garner), and Karen Slack (Cilla) combined to create a musical experience that made for an evening of stimulated senses and deep emotion due to the depth and breadth of the opera.  The opera was sung in English with English surtitle projections.  The set primarily consisted of a simple framework that represented the plantation and the accompanying slave quarters.  The costumes were appropriate for the time, but not outstanding in anyway.  The only serious criticism to be made is in regard to the disconnect between the flow and emotional tone of the lyrical journey and the compositions as played by Chicago Sinfonietta.  The music at times was tender and moving, yet at others, such as the drawn out battle to define "love", boring and lackluster.  At times the score was inappropriately dramatic when it appeared that the scene did not call for it and just the opposite when it did.  Overall, the diverse musical display (gospel-one all black and one all white chorus, waltzes, folk, jazz) was sensational.

I am excited and proud that my first operatic experience was the story of Margaret Garner.  It was heart wrenching, powerful, spiritual, and truly unforgettable. 

Riley Brown is student at Chicago State University in Chicago, IL. She plans to graduate in 2010 with a degree in computer science.

Watch and Pray  

Amazing Grace on a Piper's flute

Is the Lord's Song in a strange land  

I sing of the mist on my window

Turned tear drops beclouding  

My eyes in distant shades -

The mirage of a dream 

Amazing Grace on a Piper's flute

One more veil over holy apparitions 

Of eager bards of days long gone

Where crouched in deferent absolution

Absolute in the stormy waters

The Middle Passage where

Ancestral forebears wailed

Still in chants and lamentation  

Amazing Grace on the Piper's flute

Watch and pray lest we sleep  

For so in Somnus sleep Juno's gain

Our sons and daughters' pain for singing in the rain 

Amazing Grace on the Piper's flute

Oh, watch and pray lest we sleep, 

Sleepwalk and slip along the way -

Oh, watch and pray 

- Derf Erkab, 2001

Elizabeth Norman, soprano

William Henry Curry holds down the North Carolina Symphony as resident conductor. Check out the various Holiday Pops concerts.

Bass Baritone Eric Owens and soprano Nicole Cabell star in The MET's production of Mozart's Magic Flute on Monday, December 22 at 1:00 PM; Saturday, December 27 at 1:00 PM; Tuesday, December 30 at 1:00 PM; Wednesday, December 31 at 1:00 PM.

Chelsea Tipton II conducts the Chicago Sinfonietta in Holiday classics featuring coloratura soprano Elizabeth Norman on Monday, Dec. 22 at 7:30 PM. Harris Theatre for Music and Dance in Millennium Park (205 E. Randolph Dr).

Singer Will Downing of R&B fame brings his "Soulful Christmas Tour" to the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. Downing's sensual baritone voice is a peak experience for fans of smooth, sophisticated music, and his long-awaited return to Atlanta is sure to draw in a crowd. The superb jazz saxophonist Gerald Albright and the gifted vocalist Lalah Hathaway, the daughter of Donny Hathaway, one of the most influential soul singers of the seventies, share the stage. Atlanta Symphony Hall, Sunday, December 21 at 7 pm.

An event you won't want to miss...

Sweets and Spirits, a dynamic fundraising event in the spirit of a true soirée, combines refreshments (pastries, wine, cheese, etc.) and intimate performances throughout the evening to help raise money for the pianists of Piano Passions and Ensemble du Monde to perform the complete Beethoven Piano Concerti at Merkin Concert Hall NYC.  The goal is to raise $32,000 to cover all expenses by their June 2009 deadline. Please help to bring to this wonderful dream to reality! For more information, visit the recently modernized website: www.artistworld.org

Two organizations that you should know...

Bass Kevin Maynor is the founder and artistic director of Trilogy: An Opera Company (AOC), a non -profit opera company based in Newark, New Jersey, that functions as a festival and that is focused on the works of black composers and artists of color. The company focuses on "high art that speaks to the needs of a society, whose cultural and spiritual experience lag so far behind its technological capabilities, that the need for comprehensive artwork becomes a necessary imperative."

Trilogy has performed the following operas: "Harriet Tubman" "Fredrick Douglas" "Nat Turner" "Till" (an oratorio) "Till" (an opera) and most recently "Darfur." You can find out more about this company by visiting http://kevinmaynor.com/.

The National Association for the Study and Performance of African American Music (NASPAAM) is an organization whose purpose is to further the development and dissemination of African American music through advocacy, education, and performance. The organization is committed to providing leadership and motivation for music educators, musicians, and others interested in fostering the inclusion of African and African American music in education and society. The organization serves its members and others by increasing the awareness of Black Music and its contribution to the arts, culture, and society.

Please visit the website at naspaam.org for updates and further details regarding the organization and symposium.

Book your own concert on the radio!

Attention musicians! 98.7 WFMT is soliciting additional bookings for 2009. 

98.7 WFMT-FM ANNOUNCES NEW CLASSICAL CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES

LIVE FROM THE MORSE 

New series to air live Sundays 11AM - 12 Noon from The Morse Theatre, the new state-of-the-art venue in Rogers Park.

Chicago, IL- 98.7 WFMT-FM Chicago's Classical Experience has announced artist bookings through December for their new chamber music series Live from The Morse,which will originate at 11 AM Sunday mornings from the exciting new midsize performance venue in The Morse Theatre located at 1330 W. Morse Avenue in Chicago's Rogers Park.

98.7 WFMT will be broadcasting chamber music performed by the area's top ensembles Sundays in front of a live audience.  The 299-seat Morse Theatre has a 48 track digital live broadcast environment which was designed in consultation with our team of engineers to meet the high standards required for the proper presentation of acoustically oriented music. The seating arrangements are informal and relaxed -- The Morse combines the intimacy and ambience of a classic nightclub with the focus of a modern concert venue. 

Tickets will be $10.00 and a continental breakfast will be included. Tickets are available at www.themorse.com or by calling 773 654 5100. Please also visit www.WFMT.com for further information.

Current bookings include: Sonic Inertia (Nov. 2); The International Chamber Artists (Nov. 9); Members of The New Millennium Orchestra (Nov. 16); The Amazonas Trio (Nov. 23); The Chicago Ensemble (Nov. 30); The Norwegian Singers (Dec 7); Winston Choi, piano (Dec. 14). 

Contact: Gerry Fisher, 98.7 WFMT-FM
773.279.2121
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Created by Delta State University Charles W. Capps, Jr. Archives and Museum

William Grant Still (May 11, 1895 - December 3, 1978) was an African-American classical composer, born in Woodville, Mississippi, who wrote more than 150 compositions. He was the first African-American to conduct a major American symphony orchestra, the first to have a symphony of his own (his first symphony) performed by a leading orchestra, the first to have an opera performed by a major opera company, and the first to have an opera performed on national television. He is often referred to as "the dean" of African-American composers. And more to come!!!

Dictionary of African Composers. The site takes a while to load, so be patient. Once it comes up, you'll be able to search alphabetically through decades of composers, read their biographies and access their discographies. You may send additions, corrections and suggestions to Alexander Johnson [ This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it ].

The Festival of African & African-American Music: Tribute to Great African Composers will take place February 12-15, 2009 in St. Louis, Missouri USA. Visit the official webpage at http://fesaam.org. The multi-day event will feature performances by McCluer North High School Orchestra, Winneba Youth Choir of Ghana, Silvia Belfiore (piano); Rachel Barton Pine (violin), Wendy Hymes (flutes), Darryl Hollister (piano), Marie Jureit (piano), Althea Ifeka (oboe), Rashida N. Black (harp), Calvert Johnson (organ), Dawn Padmore (soprano), Marie Robinson (Soprano), William-Chapman Nyaho (pianos), The Equinox Chamber Players (woodwind quintet), Marlon Daniel, conducting the New Horizons Orchestra  and musicians of the Saint Louis Symphony Orchestra... AND MORE!!

Call Dr. Wendy Hymes or Ms. Ablawa Reine at 314-652-6800 for registration and general logistics questions. (Scholarly papers, lecture-recital proposals no longer accepted.)

Special Events Assistant
New York Philharmonic (New York NY)

New York Philharmonic seeks Special Events Assistant to provide administrative support to Director, Special Events and project support for the department. Answer phones; assist with correspondence and mailings; process invoices and maintain budget information; coordinate receptions and small-scale events; arrange meetings and maintain calendar; assist volunteer committee with administrative needs; staff events; miscellaneous duties as required.  
 
Please send resume including salary history/requirements. to: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Please indicate position for which you are applying in the subject line. We regret that we will be unable to respond to each applicant.  We will only contact candidates being considered for interviews. No phone calls please.

Director of Development
South Orange Performing Arts Center (South Orange NJ)

This senior full time staff position reports directly to the Executive Director.

SOPAC is a 2 year-old performing arts center with an intimate live performance space that seats 415, a five-screen cineplex operated by Clearview Cinemas, and an open loft space facing South Mountain Reservation. Currently SOPAC is engaged in its capital fundraising campaign, Building Cultural Capital, and seeks a Director of Development to develop and expand all its fundraising activities. An independent 501(c) 3 not-for-profit organization, SOPAC has a 22-member Board of Governors, a full-time executive director and a 10 person professional staff.  The organization's mission is to offer innovative artistic and cultural experiences for diverse audiences within an intimate, inviting environment.

For more information, please visit www.sopacnow.org. To apply, please send resume and cover letter with salary history to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or fax to 973-275-0688.  Please, no phone calls.

Orchestra Manager
Columbus Symphony Orchestra (Columbus OH)

The Orchestra Manager works with the General Manager in the development and implementation of the orchestra's operational. and artistic administration. Duties include managing the daily operations of The Columbus Symphony Orchestra guided by the provisions of the Master Agreement, and providing meaningful assistance in the booking and scheduling of artists.

To apply: Send letter and resume to Susan Rosenstock, General Manager, Columbus Symphony; 55 E. State St., Columbus, OH 43215 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Development Manager
Columbus Symphony Orchestra (Columbus OH)

Responsible for managing all fundraising activities of symphony development department, including individual and corporate giving, grants, sponsorships and planned giving in coordination with the Executive Director, Director of Advancement, and Board of Trustees to meet annual budget and campaign goals. Will also oversee telefundraising and local volunteer groups as well as manage others responsible for all corporate and individual donor campaigns.

To apply: Send resume and salary requirements to Sophie Ferenz, Director of Institutional Advancement; Columbus Symphony; 55 E. State St., Columbus, OH 43215 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Humanities Manager, Public Programs & Artist Talks
Brooklyn Academy of Music (Brooklyn NY)

Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), an internationally recognized presenter of contemporary performing arts and cinema, seeks a full-time Humanities Manager, Public Programs and Artist Talks to develop and implement a variety of Humanities programs. These programs aim to enrich the experience of BAM audiences beyond their attendance at the performance alone by providing them with access to discussions with artists and experts in the field. The Manager reports to the Director of Education and Humanities.

How to Apply: Complete an application at http://brooklynacademy.appone.com/  

Teaching Artist
Midori & Friends (New York NY)

Midori & Friends, a not-for-profit music outreach organization serving public schools throughout New York City, is seeking part-time music Teaching Artists for Early Childhood General Music (grades Prek-2) and Vocal/Choral Instruction (grades 2-12) for the 2008-09 school year.

Midori & Friends Teaching Artists must demonstrate interest in and ability to provide creative learning experiences for public school students. Applicants should have a degree in music and/or music education, and/or several years' experience working in this field with the age group specified for each area. Experience in urban schools preferred. Please include contact information for 3 references familiar with your teaching.

Email resume, cover letter, and contact information (phone numbers) for 3 references (people who are familiar with your teaching) to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or fax to 212-767-0018.

Executive Director
Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra (Kalamazoo MI)

Founded in 1921 by Leta Snow, the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra is the third largest professional orchestra in Michigan and is widely recognized as one of the country's finest regional orchestras.   The KSO's mission is to present professional orchestra performances and education programs for audiences throughout southwest Michigan, fostering lifelong appreciation and support for symphonic music.  The appointment of Raymond Harvey as Music Director in 1999 marked the beginning of a new era for the Kalamazoo Symphony Orchestra both artistically and institutionally.

The Executive Director is responsible and accountable for the organizational, financial, and artistic success of the Kalamazoo Symphony. Working with the Chairman of the Board and the Music Director, s/he provides the vision and leadership that ensures the KSO achieves its goals for artistic excellence, financial stability, and community engagement.

Please send a resume, a salary history, and at least three professional references to: Kalamazoo Symphony Executive Director Search, c/o Catherine French Group, 2500 Q Street NW, Suite 623, Washington, DC  20007. This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Website: www.kalamazoosymphony.com (Please send MS Word or Adobe Acrobat attachments only.)

Concert Artist Liaison / Artistic Administrator
Bernstein Artists, Inc. (Brooklyn NY)

This position will begin as a consulting position for a 6-month trial period, after which it would move into a full time salaried position.

Candidate should have a passion for the Arts and knowledge of the contemporary classical, avant-garde, world music and new music scenes; Should be highly motivated and organized with the ability to work both independently and collectively in a small office environment; Be able to multi-task and prioritize work load; Must be highly proficient with Windows based programs and databases; Excellent oral and written communication skills required; Knowledge of current new media and marketing trends, social networking, etc. a plus; Basic knowledge of html or Dreamweaver; Creative writing and editing skills a plus.

Send resume and cover letter to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Include your phone number.

Executive Director
Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra (San Francisco CA)

The Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra invites nominations and applications for the position of Executive Director, available immediately.

The next Executive Director will join a financially stable organization with a thoroughly engaged, high-functioning Board of Directors, a skilled and experienced staff, an internationally acclaimed music director, and an orchestra that is widely considered among the finest period instrument ensembles in the world. The Executive Director will take a leadership role in the development and implementation of a new strategic plan, which will allow PBO to realize its vision to be recognized as a major musical force not only in the Bay area, but nationally and internationally, and in both live performance and electronic media.

Please submit a resume and a cover letter outlining qualifications and specific interest in this position.  Include salary history or requirements and a list of at least three references.  (All applications will be treated as confidential and references will not be contacted without the candidate's permission.)  Send to: PBO Executive Director Search, c/o Catherine French Group, 2500 Q Street NW, Suite 623, Washington, DC  20007, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , 202-965-0939 (fax). (MS Word or Adobe Acrobat attachments only, please.) Website: www.philharmonia.org