In the 1920s, African-American composer William Grant Still envisioned a trilogy of works that eventually emerged as, first, his Symphonic poem “Africa” evoking roots from his somewhat romanticized depiction of the continent; second, his “Symphony #1: Afro-American” being life in America to emancipation and; third, the “Symphony #2: Song of a New Race” as representing the now integrated man, a product and shaper of an integrated society.
As we move into the first ever Juneteenth weekend as a federal holiday, listen at 2pm today for the Symphony #2 by William Grant Still. And be sure to tune in to CapRadio Music tomorrow, June 19th, for a day-long musical celebration of Juneteenth featuring more music of Still, plus throughout the day music of Florence Price, Scott Joplin’s only surviving opera, and so much more. Details of our celebration is at CapRadio.org/music.
