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William Grant Still |
Crafton Beck |
The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra will join forces with choirs from Delta State University, The University of Mississippi and Rust College to present “William Grant Still – Celebrating an American Master Composer” on Monday, Oct. 15 at 7:30 pm inside the Delta and Pine Land Theatre of the Bologna Performing Arts Center on the campus.
The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and choirs under the direction of Crafton Beck, Music Director and Conductor, will perform beautiful choral-orchestral music by internationally known composer and Mississippi native William Grant Still (1895-1978), showcasing the broad range of Still’s inspiring compositions, from his symphonic works to his arrangements of spirituals.
Still was born in Woodville, Mississippi to musician parents and has long been known as one of America’s foremost composers. He worked with such greats as W.C. Handy, Artie Shaw and Sophie Tucker. He wrote over 150 compositions including operas, ballets, symphonies, chamber works and arrangements of choral and solo vocal works.
Monday’s concert is also sponsored in part by the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) through their American Masterpieces Initiative. This initiative was created to acquaint Americans with the best of their cultural and artistic legacy. Established by Congress in 1965, the NEA is a public agency dedicated to supporting excellence in the arts. Additional funding for the concerts comes from a grant from The Phil Hardin Foundation.
“It is a privilege for the Mississippi Arts Commission to honor the outstanding achievements of this musical genius from Mississippi,” said Malcolm White, MAC Executive Director. “It is our hope that everyone in attendance will come away with an appreciation of the accomplishments of this great man and that this celebration of music will both inspire and enrich the lives of all those we serve.”
This event is free for children 18 years and under and $10 for all others. This event will require reserved seating; therefore, all individuals must have a ticket to attend the concert. To purchase your tickets or to request free tickets for children (18 and under), please contact the BPAC Box Office at (662) 846-4626; office hours are Monday – Friday, 9 a.m. – noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
