Weeksville and the Bronx Arts Ensemble present Compositions of the Contemporary African Diaspora

The Weeksville Heritage Center, in partnership with the Bronx Arts Ensemble, proudly presents an evening dedicated to celebrating and exploring the voices of contemporary African Diasporic composers who are reshaping the classical chamber music landscape. Featuring works by boundary-pushing artists such as Jessie Montgomery (“Strum”), Daniel Bernard Roumain (“String Quartet No. 5 ‘Parks’”), Shelley Washington (“MIDDLEGROUND”), and Rhiannon Giddens (“At the Purchaser’s Option with Variations,” arranged by Jacob Garchik), this program highlights how their compositions honor African diasporic heritage while being embraced within a traditionally Eurocentric field.

Following the performance, Weeksville’s President & CEO, Dr. Raymond Codrington, will moderate a dynamic panel discussion featuring leading experts, including the esteemed Dr. Fredara Hadley of The Juilliard School. Together, they will delve into the critical role of African Diasporic music within the classical chamber music canon, challenging the audience to consider its significance, its history, and its power in shaping a more inclusive future for the arts.

At its heart, this event asks: How can the stories and sounds of African-descended people expand and redefine what we accept as “classical”? Join us for an evening of music, dialogue, and discovery that uplifts the transformative contributions of Black artistry.