And all six of these composers have written large-ensemble or orchestral music, most of which has rarely if ever been played by major American orchestras. (Some of these orchestral works are fully notated.) Beginning to program their orchestral music — including works that stretch the orchestral sound into improvisation — would be one way to address larger patterns of racial exclusion in classical music. The American Composers Orchestra has done more to address this pressing issue than many larger and better-funded institutions. It has performed works by Mr. Threadgill and Mr. Lewis; Mr. Davis has taught in the ensemble’s Jazz Composers Orchestra Institute.

Source: New York Times August 25, 2020 14:41 UTC