Black British musicians celebrated at Equity Scholar’s event
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A panel discussion, exhibition and music organised by Equity Scholar Joquan Johnson to explore the lives of Black British classical musicians took place at Deptford Town Hall.
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Dr Pauline Muir, Cleveland Watkiss MBE and Dr Tamsin Alexander spoke on the panel, chaired by student Joquan Johnson
Symphonic Legends: The Stories of a Forgotten Musical History explored the lives of composers Samuel Coleridge Taylor and Joseph Antonio Emidy, violinist George Bridgetower and composer and singer Amanda Aldridge, four often overlooked Black British musicians.
Delving into the archives to retrieve materials such as contemporary music criticism that provided clues to the reception of their work, Joquan’s research has gone beyond the score to paint a richer portrait of these musicians.
The idea of compiling his research into an exhibition and public event alongside his written dissertation came from a desire to raise the profile of these composers as well as making his research more accessible. The project was supported by the GARA Fund and the Joe Brown Fund.
Joquan Johnson explained, “Symphonic Legends explores the stories of extraordinary Black British classical musicians whose contributions have too often been overlooked. By exploring their lives, music, and historical impact, we honour their legacy and highlight Black musicians’ ongoing challenges in classical music today.
This project is a step towards broadening our understanding of history and ensuring that these voices are heard and not forgotten.
Joquan Johnson, Equity Scholar
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A string quartet performed music by Samuel Coleridge Taylor in Deptford Town Hall
Panel and performance
Joquan presented a video interview with historian Michael I. Ohajuru. The experiences of Black British musicians in classical music in the past and today formed the basis of a panel discussion with Dr Tamsin Alexander and Dr Pauline Muir from Goldsmiths, and vocalist, actor, composer and educator Cleveland Watkiss MBE.
Deptford Town Hall, a building with history that invites reflection, provided a fitting backdrop to the discussions around decolonising the narratives about the four musicians.
The event was introduced by Dr Marl’ene Edwin, Deputy Director of the Centre for Caribbean and Diaspora Studies and academic lead for the Equity Awards. Goldsmiths Equity Awards support students from Global Ethnic Majority backgrounds to achieve their full potential. The Equity Awards programme is a financial award and a programme of events, mentoring and pastoral support designed to dismantle barriers and support students as they navigate their university experience.
None of this would have been possible without the pastoral and community support of the Equity Award. The Award has provided me with the confidence to put all of this together. Thank you to the donors for providing the platform for this amazing scholarship opportunity.
Joquan Johnson
Dr Tamsin Alexander, a panel member along with Dr Pauline Muir and Cleveland Watkiss MBE said: “Bridgetower, Coleridge Taylor and Aldridge all lived in South-East London, making the placement of this event in New Cross particularly special.
“Joquan’s exhibition is an exciting example of how students are finding creative ways to conduct and present their final-year research. Not only does the event demonstrate Joquan’s passion for this topic, but it also shows a keen understanding of the importance of not just carrying out research into neglected musical figures, but sharing those findings effectively too.”
Dr Pauline Muir said, “Highlighting the stories of these Black classical composers overlooked by history contributes critical insights to the canon of Western classical music. Joquan curated the event beautifully and should be highly applauded for his hard work.”