Sound Bite / The Spiritual Beauty of Price's Concert Overture No. 2

To celebrate the "American Sound," guest conductor Christopher Dragon digs into the rediscovery of

Florence Price's long lost work and her rich legacy. Florence Price holds a significant place in American history as the first Black female American composer to have her symphony performed by a major symphony orchestra. However, her some of her work, including Concert Overture No.2, laid dormant for over 50 years in an abandoned home she once lived in until it was rediscovered in 2009 and brought back into the spotlight. Price's Concert Overture No. 2 reflects the expressive and distinctive sounds of Negro traditions, particularly the spirituals, ragtime, and folkdance rhythms whose origins trace back to Africa. This overture features the spirituals “Go Down, Moses,” “Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen,” and “Every Time I Feel the Spirit.”

Hear Price's Concert Overture No. 2 performed live by the MSO this October 21st & 22nd, 2022!