Violinist Ilmar Gavilan and pianist Aldo Lopez-Gavilan, two of the most gifted Cuban musicians of these times, come together under the artistic name "Gavilan Brothers", in a duo program of their own compositions; and Aldo Lopez-Gavilan performs the world premiere of a new work by critically acclaimed and award-winning composer, Shawn E. Okpebholo. This piece for solo piano is inspired by the story of Occramer Marycoo, an enslaved African in 18th-century Newport, whose owner dubbed him Newport Gardner. Marycoo, despite his enslavement, became educated, speaking multiple languages, and becoming a trained classical musician. He is credited with being the first African American person to have a composition published in the Western-style. The work was called "Crooked Shanks." Okpebholo's work reflects the "perils of the enslaved, the hope of freedom, and the return home."
Newport Classical (formerly Newport Music Festival) announces its 2022 Newport Classical Music Festival, running from July 1-17, 2022. For its 54th season, Newport Classical Music Festival presents 24 concerts over 18 days, and will return for the first time since 2019 to the stunning interiors of Newport's historic mansions and venues including The Breakers, Blithewold Mansion, The Elms, Castle Hill Inn, Chinese Tea House, Great Friends Meeting House, King Park, Newport Art Museum, Norman Bird Sanctuary, Redwood Library & Athenaeum, and Emmanuel Church. The full schedule is available at www.newportclassical.org.
