I decided to do this blog series as a way to recognize prominent (and some not so prominent) Black historical figures in music as a way to celebrate this year’s Black History Month. Each week I plan to feature a different individual and his or her contributions to music. I hope that you find these blogs entertaining and educational and that you share them with you candidates, bandmates, and/or campus communities. I encourage your chapters to recognize other Black historical figures in music and shine light on their achievements not just this month, but year round, either by hosting a seminar or guest speaker, doing a showcase, or other creative means at your schools.
This week I am featuring Henry Lewis, conductor (1932-1996)
Henry Lewis, born October 16, 1932 in Los Angeles, California, is credited as the first African American to conduct and American symphony orchestra. Lewis learned to play the piano as a young child, later moving onto clarinet, and many other instruments. At just 16 years old he became the first black instrumentalist in a major symphony orchestra, playing the double bass in the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
In 1951, Mr. Lewis began attending theUniversity ofSouthern California on scholarship. In 1954, he was drafted into the Army where he played with and conducted the Seventh Army Symphony (inGermany and theNetherlands) for two years. Upon his return to theUS, Mr. Lewis continued to perform with the Los Angeles Philharmonic. From 1961-1965 he served as the assistant conductor of the ensemble. During his time inLos Angeles, he also formed the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra.
In 1968, Mr. Lewis was selected as the music director and conductor of the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra. He spent 8 years with the ensemble, transforming it from a small community group to a prestigious first-class orchestra, taking the stage at Carnegie Hall, theKennedyCenter, and other esteemed venues. The orchestra played a big roll inNew Jersey community outreach, performing at high schools and various community events in the area, as well as performed with the likes of renowned pianist Misha Dichter and violinist Itzhak Perlman.
Mr. Lewis became the first African-American to conduct at the New York Metropolitan Opera in his 40th birthday in 1972. He retired from the New Jersey Symphony in 1976. He continued as the chief conductor of the Radio Symphony Orchestra as well as guest conducting many major orchestras all over the world until his death in 1996.
I encourage you to read more about his accomplishments and his struggles as a black man in classical music here: New York Times
Sources: NY Times (1996), LA Times (1996), Praise Indy (2001), Astro
