Michael Repper, National Philharmonic, Curtis Stewart Celebrate 150th Birthday of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor With Album of World-Premiere Studio Recordings

Violinist Curtis Stewart, Conductor Michael Repper,  Producer Judith Sherman, and the National Philharmonic in the Samuel Coleridge-Taylor album recording session.
Photo credit: Elman Studio. For more photos available for media or press use, click here.

Dear Listener,

Thank you for joining us in celebrating the 150th birthday of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor! Our project promotes the legacy of one of the greatest composers from the turn of the 20th century, and aims to share his music as widely as possible. 

Despite being such a prolific and successful composer, so much of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s music remains unknown to audiences today. This is the first time these works are featured on a commercial studio recording. As far as my research indicates, this is also the first performance in at least 100 years of the Ballade with full orchestra, and the first performance ever of the Suite from ‘24 Negro Melodies.’

To any listeners, orchestras, and ensembles interested in sharing and performing Coleridge-Taylor’s music: we applaud you. We have created modern performance editions (scores and parts) for Toussaint L’Ouverture, Ballade Op. 4, and the Suite from ‘24 Negro Melodies,’ all from the composer’s original manuscripts. Below is a QR Code which provides access to these parts, and they are free to use for anyone interested in performing this music.

I extend my deepest gratitude to Lionel Harrison and the late Patrick Meadows who initially recovered the Ballade and Suite. Special thanks is owed additionally to Lionel, who worked with me tirelessly and selflessly over many months to consult the manuscripts and refine these materials in preparation for our sessions.

We hope you enjoy these recordings as much as we enjoyed making them.

-Michael Repper

Purchase Album Here!

Performance Materials

Performance Materials Coming August 1. Check back for updates.

Upcoming Performances

Upcoming Performances To Be Announced Shortly. Check back for updates.

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