The Music of Margaret Bonds: A Life in Music

Friday, November 3, 7:30pm - Kathryn Greenhoot Recital Hall

Lecturer: Dr. John Michael Cooper, Southwestern University 

American composer, pianist, and crusader for social justice, Margaret Bonds (1918-1976) is only now beginning to be lauded for her eloquent, powerful and expressive works. Known for his work in bringing historically excluded composers into the mainstream, Dr. John Michael Cooper is one of the foremost experts on the music of Bonds. In the opening event of the symposium, Cooper will discuss the composer’s life and musical contributions, including many works that have only recently been performed publicly for the first time.

The Music of Margaret Bonds II: The Songs 

Saturday, November 4, 7:30pm - Queens Hall

Margaret Bonds’s works for voice and piano stand as perhaps her most impressive achievement. Some of her finest songs will be performed in the style of a modern salon concert, providing an intimate audience experience. Featuring soprano guest artist Dr. Sequina DuBose of University of North Carolina, Charlotte, along with faculty, staff, alumni, and students from Queens University of Charlotte, the music will be interspersed with recitations of Langston Hughes poetry and accompanied by visual interpretations of the music by graphic design students.  

Pre-concert lecture: 7:00pm by Dr. John Michael Cooper, Southwestern University 

The Music of Margaret Bonds III: The Choral Music

Sunday, November 5, 3:00pm - Belk Chapel

The final event of the Margaret Bonds Symposium features her choral works, including the southeastern premiere of her masterpiece, Credo, a passionate and moving cry for racial equality. Setting the poetry of W.E.B. DuBois, this work is finally making its way into mainstream choral repertoire. In addition, the concert includes a new work by Queens University of Charlotte professor, Dr. Zach Zubow, commissioned for the occasion.

Pre-concert lecture: 2:30 p.m. by John Michael Cooper, Southwestern University