Violinist Ilmar Gavilán and pianist Aldo López-Gavilán, two of the most gifted Cuban musicians of these times, come together under the artistic name “Gavilán Brothers”, in a duo program of their own compositions; and Aldo López-Gavilán 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.”
This concert is dedicated to Cynthia A. Sinclair in recognition of her generous support of Newport Classical and in loving memory of Marilyn J. Woloohojian.
Crooked Shanks was commissioned by Newport Classical for Aldo López-Gavilán’s July 2022 performance in Newport, RI in loving memory of Marilyn J. Woloohojian for her extraordinary generosity, commitment to the future of classical music, and in honor of her thirty years as a member of the Board of Directors. “Do not let the music die.” – Marilyn J. Woloohojian
Ilmar Gavilán, violin
Aldo López-Gavilán, piano
Shawn E. Okpebholo, composer
PROGRAM:
SHAWN E. OKPEBHOLO Crooked Shanks [world premiere]
ALDO LÓPEZ-GAVILÁN Eclypse
ALDO LÓPEZ-GAVILÁN Caipiriñame
ALDO LÓPEZ-GAVILÁN Hermanos
ALDO LÓPEZ-GAVILÁN Momo’s Tale
ALDO LÓPEZ-GAVILÁN Epilogo
INTERMISSION
ALDO LÓPEZ-GAVILÁN Arboles en el aire
ALDO LÓPEZ-GAVILÁN Waltz
ALDO LÓPEZ-GAVILÁN Quick Tune
ALDO LÓPEZ-GAVILÁN Viernes de Ciudad
ALDO LÓPEZ-GAVILÁN Pan con Timba
*Program subject to change
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