To fantasize is to imagine the impossible. In Bernstein’s iconic West Side Story, two lovers reach across the uncrossable boundaries of race and culture. Ulysses Kay conjures variations on a theme that does not yet exist. And Alice Mary Smith breaks through 19th century gender norms to become England’s first female symphonist.

Fanfare & Fantasy

University of Minnesota

**Event: Black Keys: The Evolution of the Black Classical Arts**

**Date:** Saturday, April 20, 2024  
**Time:** 7:30 PM  
**Venue:** Schrott Center for the Arts, Butler University, 610 W. 46th St., Indianapolis, IN 46208  
**Tickets:** Sold Out - Waitlist Available

Join the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra for a groundbreaking concert, "Black Keys: The Evolution of the Black Classical Arts," on April 20, 2024, at the prestigious Schrott Center for the Arts. This unique event, conducted by Matthew Kraemer and curated by Joshua Thompson, ICO's Creative Partner-in-Residence, promises an unforgettable evening celebrating the rich legacy of Black classical music.

**Featured Performers:**
- **Joshua Thompson:** Piano
- **Kenyetta Dance Company**
- **Jared Thompson:** Saxophone
- **Psywrn Simone:** Vocalist
- **Pamela Ajango:** English Horn

**About the Event:**
Curated by Joshua Thompson, "Black Keys" is an immersive experience that weaves together the power of dance, vocal prowess, and world-class artistry. The concert showcases masterpieces by Black composers and artists spanning over three centuries, including William Grant Still, Joseph Bologne, Nina Simone, Duke Ellington, Harry Burleigh, and Margaret Bonds. This event is a celebration of the contributions of Black artists to the classical music genre, presented with the support of Frost Brown Todd.

**Repertoire Highlights:**
- Coleridge-Taylor: Petite Suite de Concert
- Ulysses Kay: Pieta
- Still: Darker America, Out of Silence from Seven Traceries, Africa Land of Romance, Spiritual A Deserted Plantation
- Ellington: Spring from The River, Single Petal of a Rose, MLK, Movement III from Three Black Kings
- Burleigh: The Frolic from The Southland
- Simone: Four Women
- Bonds/Hughes: Dream Variations

**Additional Information:**
- **Tickets:** This concert is currently sold out. To join the waitlist, please visit the ICO website.
- **Student/Children Tickets:** Free with reserved ticket. Call or email the ICO office to reserve.
- **Young Professionals (40 and under) Tickets:** $20. Contact the ICO office for redemption.

For more information, contact the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra at 317-940-9607 or info@icomusic.org. Don't miss this extraordinary celebration of the Black classical arts at the heart of Indianapolis.

Ulysses Kay

Events

Past events

Nov 9, 2024

Fanfare & Fantasy · Minnesota Philharmonic Orchestra

Apr 20, 2024

Black Keys: The Evolution of the Black Classical Arts · Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra

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