Eduardo Alonso-Crespo, Concerto for Viola op. 17
Carlos Simon, Portrait of a Queen

Julius Wirth, viola
Aundi Marie Moore, narrator

First on this program is Eduardo Alonso-Crespo's Concerto for Viola featuring National Philharmonic's Principal Violist, Julius Wirth. Afterwards, we'll be performing Carlos Simon’s moving work, Portrait of a Queen, which traces the evolution of Black people in America through the lens of one figurative Black woman who represents strength, courage, and selflessness. Dramatic spoken word, written by Courtney D. Ware, poetically expresses the thoughts and feelings of the protagonist, enhancing her musical portrait.

- A native of Atlanta, Georgia whose music ranges from concert music for large and small ensembles to film scores with influences of jazz, gospel, and neo-romanticism.

- Simon was named a recipient of the 2021 Sphinx Medal of Excellence.

- His latest Album, MY ANCESTOR’S GIFT, was released on the Navona Records label in April 2018. Described as an “overall driving force” (Review Graveyard) and featured on Apple Music’s “Album’s to Watch.”

- Member of many music organizations including ASCAP, where he was honored as one of the “Composers to Watch” in 2015.

- Earned his doctorate at the University of Michigan, where he studied with Michael Daugherty and Evan Chambers. He has also received degrees from Georgia State University and Morehouse College.

Co-sponsored by Julie and Ray Pangelinan

A special thanks to our 2020-21 Season Sponsors – Jean and Paul Dudek; Ed Grossman and Rochelle Stanfield; Ted Mirecki, NatPhil Board Member; Martha Newman; Doug and Emily Jacobson; and Potter Violins.