"Hold Fast to Dreams" by Florence Price

"Hold Fast to Dreams" by Florence Price was performed by Yolanda Rhodes, soprano, and Deanne Tucker, piano


This concert "Hold Fast to Dreams" was presented by the African American Composer Initiative on Saturday, January 25, and Sunday, January 26, 2020 at the Eastside College Preparatory School, Performing Arts Center in East Palo Alto, California, USA.

The concert included music by: Margaret Bonds, Dr. Valerie Capers, Kenny Dorham, Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington, Jeremiah Evans, Adolphus Hailstork, Charles Lloyd, Jr., Florence Price, John Robinson III, , William Grant Still, Mary Lou Williams, and Stevie Wonder.

The concert was performed by: Pianist: Josephine Gandolfi (Picasso Ensemble), Valerie Capers, Deanne Tucker, Soprano: Yolanda Rhodes, Mezzo-Soprano: Eithne Pardini, Tenor: Othello Jefferson, Vocalist/Pianist: LaDoris Cordell, Violinist: Susan C. Brown (Picasso Ensemble), Cellist: Victoria Ehrlich (Picasso Ensemble), Bassist: John H. Robinson III, Percussion: Jim Kassis, Trombone: John Monroe, Trumpet: John Worley, Clarinetist: Carol Somersille, Saxophone: Oscar Pangilinan, Tod Dickow, Flute: Stephanie McNab, Eastside Choir: Jansen Verplank, Director

The African American Composer Initiative grew out of benefit concerts for Eastside Preparatory School in East Palo Alto, California. Directed by Dr. Josephine Gandolfi, we have presented many previously composed and as well as newly commissioned classical and jazz works for piano, vocals, and chamber ensembles. These performances are highlighted here. More information may be found at www.aacinitiative.org.