by Justin Austin | Sep 15, 2017 | Song of the Day
“I Dream a World” is one of the most beautiful and loving poems by Langston Hughes I have come across. Langston speaks about a dream world where every person is equally as valuable and should be treated with respect. As farfetched as this idea may seem, I believe that...
by Justin Austin | Sep 14, 2017 | Song of the Day
“Ballad of the landlord” is a poem by Langston Hughes. It basically is a dialogue between an African American tenant and a white landlord. It’s interesting to me that Langston doesn’t offer any opinions. He tell’s the story as it happens and the reader/ listener has...
by Justin Austin | Sep 13, 2017 | Song of the Day
During my rehearsals with Ricky Ian Gordon for our concert on September 18, I noticed that in his home there was a framed poem on top of the door to his studio. I asked him about it, and he expressed to me that it meant a lot to him, and was one of the most...
by Justin Austin | Sep 12, 2017 | Song of the Day
Right after I left Opera Theatre of St. Louis last summer, I went to West Palm Beach Florida. I was competing in the national rounds of a year long competition presented by NANM (National Association of Negro Musicians) NANM is the oldest organization for the...
by Justin Austin | Sep 11, 2017 | Song of the Day
Last summer while I was a festival artist at the Opera Theatre of St. Louis, I received an assignment to participate in a special Ricky Ian Gordon presentation. Nine singers were to be featured in concert performing a variety of pieces by Gordon. I initially declined...
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