Hannibal Lokumbe's oratorio, "Dear Mrs. Parks," was commissioned by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and premiered in February 2005.
Cultural Impact
Hannibal Lokumbe's "African Portraits," which tells the experience of black Americans, has been performed by over 55 orchestras and its recording was nominated for a Grammy Award.
Composer's Artistic Vision
According to composer Hannibal Lokumbe, "Dear Mrs. Parks" is a musical prayer honoring Rosa Parks and her spiritual and social impact, transforming the world through unselfish love.
Compositional Technique
The 57-minute oratorio "Dear Mrs. Parks" features a massive ensemble of full orchestra, a large choir, and four vocal soloists, with influences from blues, jazz, African music, and Gospel music.
Composer Biography
Hannibal Lokumbe, a celebrated trumpeter, played jazz in New York for 23 years, including with Gil Evans and other jazz giants, before focusing on orchestral composition.
Recording & Production
The recording of "Dear Mrs. Parks" was made possible by a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts and additional support from JPMorgan Chase and various individuals.
Composer Biography
After a severe illness in 1979, Hannibal Lokumbe traveled to an African village in Kenya, crediting a tribal leader for his physical and spiritual healing, which inspired a new musical expression.
