Celebrating Juneteenth

Black composers of early music are rare. An 18th-century French composer named Joseph Boulogne, also known as Chevalier de St. Georges and whom some have called the Black Mozart, is one of the only ones celebrated in history. (Read this New York Times article about him here to learn more.)

In celebration of the Texas roots of Juneteenth,  this concert presents works by Boulogne and more recent African-American classical composers such as violinist and composer Jessie Montgomery, whose debut album “Strum” was released in 2014.

Performed by the Orchestra of New Spain, a versatile body of more than 40 instrumentalists and singers steeped in the performance of early music, with a specialty in Spanish and American Hispanic music. It’s principal repertory is drawn from manuscripts found in the court, public and cathedral archives of Spain, whence its music director has edited and the orchestra has performed more than 100 little known works.

It annually produces seven repertories played in some 12 concerts. The orchestra’s theatrical, educational and touring activities offer its public a fascinating experience of a little-known aspect of Spanish musical life.