George Walker, a native of Washington, D.C., was a child prodigy who enrolled in Oberlin Conservatory at age 14 and received his Bachelor of Music degree with highest honors at 18.
Composer Biography
George Walker was the first Black instrumentalist to play a recital in New York's Town Hall and the first Black soloist to perform with the Philadelphia Orchestra.
Composer's Artistic Vision
George Walker refused to be pigeonholed as simply a Black composer, with his mature style rooted in European modernism, though he occasionally alluded to Negro spirituals.
Composer Biography
George Walker was the first Black composer to be awarded the Pulitzer Prize for music in April 1996 for his composition Lilacs for Voice and Orchestra.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded live in the Concert Hall of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, with sessions taking place across 2022 and 2023.
Composer's Artistic Vision
George Walker stated that he always thought in universal terms, focusing on quality rather than being confined to what is Black or American.
Composer Biography
George Walker was the first Black student to receive the Artist Diploma in both piano and composition from the Curtis Institute of Music in 1945.
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