From Unknown to Multiple Grammy Nominee: Composer Julia Perry
Boston Landmarks Orchestra presents the second installment of its “From the Podium Talks” series, a presentation on the life, work, and renewed recognition of composer Julia Perry. Music Director Christopher Wilkins will explore Perry’s career as a Black woman composer, conductor, singer, violinist, and pianist, including her studies at Tanglewood and with Nadia Boulanger, her major awards, and the period of obscurity her music endured after her death.
The program will also examine the recent effort to bring Perry’s music back to public attention. Her unpublished works are now being prepared for worldwide publication by Boosey & Hawkes following extensive musical research, genealogical investigation, and legal work. The talk includes live performances of several of Perry’s chamber compositions by baritone Philip Lima and pianist Esther Garcia Moreno.
When: Tuesday, November 17
Showtime: 7:00 p.m.
Venue: First Church in Roxbury
Address: 8 John Eliot Square, Boston, MA 02119
Tickets: Free
Registration: Advance registration through Eventbrite is requested.
Presenter: Christopher Wilkins, Music Director of Boston Landmarks Orchestra
Featured performers: Philip Lima, baritone, and Esther Garcia Moreno, piano
Program: A talk on Julia Perry’s life, compositions, career, and rediscovery, followed by live performances of several chamber works.
Julia Perry: Perry lived from 1924 to 1979 and was a composer, conductor, singer, violinist, and pianist. She studied composition at Tanglewood and with Nadia Boulanger, received two Guggenheim fellowships and a National Arts and Letters Award, and had music performed and recorded by the New York Philharmonic.
Recognition: Perry’s music has received multiple Grammy nominations. Although her work became largely unknown after her death at age 55, renewed advocacy by Christopher Wilkins and Dr. Louise Toppin has helped restore attention to her music.
Publication note: Perry’s previously unpublished works are being published for worldwide distribution by Boosey & Hawkes.