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On November 17, the University of Illinois Symphony Orchestra will present William Grant Still's Darker America alongside Stravinsky's Symphony of Psalms and other works. Not yet familiar with William Grant Still? Read on to learn more about this composer before attending the concert.
By now, you will have undoubtedly heard how pop superstar Lizzo played a crystal flute that once belonged to President James Madison. The singer, rapper, and classically trained flutist played the 200-year-old piece of American history under the watchful eye of security personnel from the Library of Congress, where the flute is held as part of the Library’s extensive musical instrument collection. But what is the history behind this rare instrument?
The Baroque Artists of Champaign-Urbana (BACH) return Sunday, November 6, with a concert featuring Dietrich Buxtehude's 1680 Passion-meditation, Membra Jesu Nostri. This is paired with To the Hands, Caroline Shaw's response to one of the movements of the Buxtehude. We sat down with BACH's music director, Dr. Sarah Riskind, to discuss both works and how this program came to be.
These programs are partially sponsored by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency.
