Challenge the Stats: Rhythm of the Roots
Free (Free)
Valerie Coleman — Selected works
Charles Overton — Selected works
Gus Sebring — Selected works
Juan R. Ramírez-Hernández — Selected works
Carlos Simon — Selected works
Joel Thompson — Selected works
Challenge the Stats (CTS) is an Atlanta-based concert series that seeks to equip audiences and artists with the tools needed to advocate for justice both inside and outside of the concert hall. This highly anticipated virtual concert celebrates BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) artists amplifying the call for racial justice through engaging chamber music, dance, and activism. Highlights of the Rhythm of the Roots concert include:
- An all-Black female string quartet performing the compositions of long-time Atlanta Symphony Orchestra musician Juan Ramirez and Atlanta native Joel Thompson
- Verena Anders, co-founder of Conductors for Change, performing the piano works of Navajo composer Connor Chee
- Harpist Angelica Hairston and Hornist Marie Douglas performing a tribute to George Floyd in Listen to the Cry of Your Fellow Man, composed by Charles Overton and Gus Sebring
- Flutist Tara Byrdsong performing Atlanta native Carlos Simon’s Move It, a piece written during the COVID 19 pandemic
- Verena Anders, Tara Byardsong, and Ricky Saucedo performing the composition of Black female composer Valerie Coleman, highlighting the poetry of Langston Hughes
- Dancer Michael Morris Jr. performs Sam Cooke’s A Change is Gonna Come, arranged for string quartet by Atlanta native composer Joel Thompson.
The livestream begins at 5pm Pacific / 8pm Eastern.
Livestream at firstpresatl.org: https://www.firstpresatl.org/concerts-at-first
Livestream on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChallengetheStats/
CTS Artists:
Verena Anders, piano
Alana Bennett, cello
Tara Byrdsong, flute
Angelica Hairston, harp
Tramaine Jones, violin
Michael Morris, Jr., dance
Shadwa Mussad, viola
Marie Douglas, french horn
Ricky Saucedo, clarinet
Jessica Stinson, violin
Composers:
Connor Chee
Valerie Coleman
Charles Overton & Gus Sebring
Juan Ramirez
Carlos Simon
Joel Thompson