Black Music Symposium Final Concert & Gala

The annual University of Arkansas Black Music Symposium is dedicated to educating and exposing the community to the musical contributions of Black Americans.

This year’s theme, “Lest our Feet Stray,” invokes a spirit of remembrance of Black music genres that were integral to the survival of Black Americans during slavery, the Jim Crow south, and the Civil Rights Movement.

The symposium includes lectures and performances that support the theme, exploring the ways which Gospel music and Black Art Song are related to the experiences of Black musicians and social movements.

Thursday, March 16

9:30 – 10:45 AM Lecture: Dr. Rosalyn Wright-Floyd – “From Simple to Complex: The Vocal Accompaniments of Selected African-American Female Composers”

11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Lecture: Dr. Emorja Roberson – “Donald Lawrence: The Concert Stage, The Church, The Theatrical”

3:30 – 4:50 PM Performance Class: Voice Students with Guest Artists

7:00 PM Final Concert & Gala: Inspirational Chorale and Arkansas Center for Black Music Announcement