🎙️From Motown's beat to classical feats

Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson (1932-2004) was an exceptional American composer and a celebrated figure among composers of color. One of his most celebrated contributions is his Sinfonietta No. 1.

Perkinson also co-founded the Symphony of the New World, the first non-segregated orchestra in the United States. The Symphony was founded in 1965 and performed until 1978 when it disbanded.

Perkinson gifted us with a work that is a sheer force of rhythmic energy and excitement. This piece, with its dynamic drive, is slowly but surely taking its deserved place in the major repertoire for string orchestra.

Beyond his classical compositions, Perkinson worked as an arranger for Motown and even wrote some arrangements for Marvin Gaye! Sinfonietta No. 1, as well as Perkinson's many jazz compositions written for voice, highlight his versatile influence on American music.

This innovative performance of Sinfonietta No. 1 was created for the One Found Sound virtual gala in 2020.

Additional Resources/Further Reading:

African Heritage in Classical Music: Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson

BlackPast: Reclaiming and Restoring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

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