Award-winning composer Adolphus Hailstork on art, politics, and social change
As our nation navigates turbulent times, what can artists do to effect change? Award-winning composer and Rochester native Adolphus Hailstork has been outspoken about this question, especially when it comes to injustices against African Americans. "These are the tragedies and triumphs of a people who have been beaten up for 400 years. Does anyone speak for them? Who writes pieces that speak for the existence of African Americans in the United States?" he asks. "I’ll take on that job.'" Hailstork’s work blends African, American, and European traditions. In recent years, his pieces like “A Knee on the Neck” — an oratorio in tribute to George Floyd — have made political statements. He’ll be in Rochester this weekend for a choral concert in his honor, but first, he joins us on “Connections” to discuss the intersection of art and politics. This conversation is part of WXXI's celebration of Black History Month. Our guests: • Adolphus Hailstork, award-winning composer • Lee Wright, director of music ministry at Downtown United Presbyterian Church, and founder and artistic director of First Inversion choral ensemble 00:00 Introduction 03:40 Rochester’s excitement about Hailstork’s return 05:12 Hailstork’s career reflections 06:23 Art, politics, and activism 07:31 Responding to George Floyd through music 09:25 First musical excerpt 12:21 Second musical excerpt and reflections 15:21 Risks of political art 17:14 Art as social change 18:22 Diversity in classical music 24:06 Lessons from David Diamond 25:01 Hailstork’s family background 26:27 Hailstork festival preview 29:47 Community building through music 32:16 Performing spirituals thoughtfully 36:01 Race and access in classical music 43:40 Audience dynamics and performance debates 47:09 Modern spiritual arrangements 52:04 What makes Hailstork’s voice distinct __________________________ For more shows and information head to https://www.wxxinews.org/show/connect.... Be part of the program with questions or comments by phone at 844-295-TALK (8255), emailing [email protected] or using the chat on the live stream. Do you have a story that needs to be shared? https://www.wxxinews.org/pitch-your-s... __________________________ Become a member of WXXI: https://www.wxxi.org/donate Never miss a headline with our daily newsletter: https://www.wxxinews.org/newsletter.
