This Thursday, May 5, the Handel and Haydn Society will perform a special concert of music by Black composers at the Museum of African American History. The program will feature Countertenor Reginald Mobley, who will curate the performance and lead members of the H+H Chorus in spirituals, gospel music, and contemporary selections.
The diverse selection of composers includes Ignatius Sancho (1729 –1780), who was born on a slave ship and was later a respected London-based composer and author. The concert will also feature music by vocalist and conductor, Bobby McFerrin (b. 1950), and Haitian-American composer, Syndey Guillaume (b. 1982).
Rain was forecast the day our "goodbye Aricos" gathering was scheduled – a scenario unheard of in sunny Ventura, land of no-raindates-needed. The two beloved neighbors hosting the shindig on the tight, well-kempt cul-de-sac we called home decided to postpone a day. The adjustment conflicted with a few schedules, but the nearest and dearest came along to the little cookout, sweet hand-made sign our backdrop, where we ate and chatted about the farm we'd be moving to in King George, Virginia – the rural town we'd be adopting in middle January, the 100-year old house we'd be renovating.
As the babies began to fuss and the paper plates were being gathered up, several pulled up to offer quick hugs and goodbyes. T was one. "I just stole away for a minute," she said, toddler on her hip, a house-full of relatives back home with her husband and other kids. "But I came because I wanted to tell you this: you changed my life."
