Classical Musicians of African Descent to Perform at Gateways Music Festival

From August 8 to August 13, more than 120 classical musicians of African descent from all over the United States will perform in Rochester as part of the 2017 Gateways Music Festival.

The festival is in association with the Eastman School of Music. 

All of the instrumentalists will be featured in more than 50 different solo, chamber music, and orchestral concerts in venues like the Hochstein School of Music & Dance, Rochester City Hall, the Rochester Public Library to Corn Hill Landing, houses of worship, and Kodak Hall at the Eastman Theatre. 

“Gateways’ national and international reputation is growing rapidly,” said Lee Koonce, festival president and artistic director. “We are excited to welcome many guests to Rochester who, first, want to hear great music played at a world-class level; and ­second, want to celebrate the centuries-long participation and achievements of classical musicians of African descent.”

Non-concert events of the festival will include a panel discussion on August 8 at 7:30 p.m. in the Eastman School of Music’s Kilbourn Hall and a “pre-concert conversation” by Dr. Paul Burgett, University of Rochester vice president and senior advisor to the president, on August 12 at 6p.m. at Hochstein.    

The festival finale will take place on August 13 at 4p.m. in Kodak Hall at the Eastman Theatre. The Gateways Music Festival Orchestra Concert will be under the direction of Michael Morgan, and will feature a performance from pianist Stewart Goodyear.