Music Conservatory of Westchester Presents Juneteenth Celebration Concert
In recognition of our nation’s historically underrepresented African American composers, on Saturday, June 19, 2021 at 7pm, the Music Conservatory of Westchester will present a Juneteenth Celebration including musical performances by the music school’s faculty and an opportunity to learn more about the featured composers. The concert will be presented with limited in-person seating in the Conservatory’s Recital Hall as well as streamed live online for the greater public to enjoy.
The White Plains community music school is dedicated to its ongoing work in awareness and action toward racial diversity and inclusion within its student community as well as in the repertoire taught at the Conservatory. This concert is a major step toward promoting equity and recognizing and celebrating composers whose work is rarely performed.
“The Conservatory’s diverse community represents more than 30 different nationalities and ethnicities. We believe that the music we teach and listen to should reflect this, and aim to expand awareness and appreciation of our rich heritage of composers of color,” said Executive Director Jean Newton.
Juneteenth, also known as African American Freedom Day, is an honored day to celebrate one of the final acts of emancipation of slaves in the United States on June 19, 1865. It marks the day that Union Major General Gordon Granger landed in Galveston, TX and stated that all slaves were free. This announcement took place two years after President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation freed slaves in Confederate states.
The Conservatory’s Juneteenth Celebration will feature music by prominent composers such as Adophus Hailstork and Herbie Hancock. In addition to musical performances by the Conservatory’s world-class faculty, the Juneteenth event will include a question-and-answer session with the performers talking about the various composers and stories behind the music.
Visit https://musicconservatory.org/community/ to claim your in-person seat in the Conservatory’s Recital Hall or access the livestream link to the Music Conservatory of Westchester’s Juneteenth Celebration. Seating in the Recital Hall is limited due to Covid-19 safety protocols. Admission to this event is free.
The Music Conservatory of Westchester was founded in 1929 by a group of community members and renowned artists. Today, the Conservatory provides the extraordinary benefits of music to all in our community, from absolute beginners to advanced artists, with online and in-person one-on-one instruction, performing ensembles, theory, early childhood classes, lifelong learning for adults, and free community performances, serving more than 3,000 students each year from 4 months to over 80 years old. As a not-for-profit organization, the Conservatory is dedicated to serving the community and reaching out to those who would not otherwise have access. Our Scholarship Program provides tuition assistance for financially deserving students. The Music Therapy Institute brings music into the lives of 2,000 children and adults with disabilities each year through on-site and outreach programs. Healing Our Heroes offers military veterans a specialized music therapy program to help with recovery after their service. The Conservatory has inspired generations of students and contributed to a vibrant musical life in the county, the region, and beyond. www.musicconservatory.org
About Music Conservatory of Westchester
Founded in 1929, the Conservatory is a 501(c) 3 organization that provides quality music education for all ages, abilities and backgrounds. We offer one-on-one instruction, performing ensembles, theory, composition, early childhood classes, lifelong learning for adults, summer programs and free community performances. Our unique Music Therapy program incorporates adapted instruction for children and adults with disabilities. Our esteemed faculty, who are performing artists, help to enrich the lives of more than 2,500 students each year from Pre-K to Adults. We offer scholarships to finically deserving students, so that all have the chance to experience the transformative power of music.