Centenary groups collaborate to present Celebration of Black Composers and Poets
SHREVEPORT, LA — Centenary’s Hurley School of Music is collaborating with the Red River Poetry Society, Centenary’s student poetry organization, and the College’s Black Student Union to present a performance and reading event, “Celebration of Black Composers and Poets,” at the Meadows Museum of Art on Tuesday, February 11, at 7:30 p.m. The event will feature Hurley students singing art songs and spirituals by Black composers as well as the Red River Poetry Society and Black Student Union students reading poems written by Black authors. The event is free and open to the public.
The program will celebrate and feature the works of composers such as William Grant Still, Moses Hogan, Charles Brown, Florence Price, Cecil Cohen, Leslie Adams, and Jacqueline Hairston. Poets included in the celebration include Langston Hughes, Audre Lorde, Joseph S. Cotter, Jr., Gwendolyn Brooks, Ross Gay, Nikki Giovanni, Tupac Shakur, and Paul Laurence Dunbar.
“As we pay tribute to these artists, our goal is to firmly establish their works within the canon of music and poetry, ensuring their voices continue to influence and inspire future generations,” said Dr. Briana Sosenheimer, assistant professor of music at Centenary. “This evening is devoted to celebrating and honoring the enduring legacy and profound impact of Black composers and poets.”
Sosenheimer noted that the student performers have embraced the chance to learn this repertoire and showcase their talents through a broadly meaningful performance.
“I'm continually inspired by the dedication of our campus student organizations and their enthusiasm for participating in events that bring life and energy to our community,” said Sosenheimer. “I am also incredibly appreciative for the opportunity to work with Museum Director, Ms. Alissa Klaus, as the Meadows Museum of Art graciously hosts this event.”