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Donald Macleod is joined by musicologist and pianist Dr Samantha Ege, author of 'South Side Impresarios: How Race Women Transformed Chicago’s Classical Music Scene' (published 12 November 2024 by the University of Illinois Press). They tell the final chapter of Margaret Bonds' life, filled with well-deserved recognition, new departures, and irreparable heartbreaks.

Margaret Bonds (1913-1972) was one of the most important composers and pianists of her time. She wrote several dozens of art songs, arranged many traditional spirituals, and composed large-scale cantatas. From her native Chicago where she was the first black performer to play with the Symphony Orchestra to the buzzing stages of New York where she set poetic gems to music, and at a time of racial discrimination and fight for civil rights, her story is one of determination, friendship, and absolute dedication to music-making. As such, the programme does include some language of the period.

In this fifth programme, Margaret Bonds receives a nationwide recognition for her work, including a most special one from her native Chicago. But a friend is about to go, and this will prove impossible to overcome; she can't bear to stay in New York, she has to flee...

When the Dove Enters In
Davóne Tines, bass-baritone
Lara Downes, piano

Songs of the Seasons
Lawrence Brownlee, tenor
Kevin J. Miller, piano

Credo
Janinah Burnett, soprano
Dashon Burton, bass-baritone
The Dessoff Choirs
Malcolm J. Merriweather, conductor

Trad, arr Bonds: Hold On (arr for voice and chamber ensemble by P. Spray)
Michael Walker II, countertenor
Alchemy Viols
Philip Spray, director

Simon Bore the Cross (mvt VIII)
The Dessoff Choirs
Malcolm J. Merriweather, conductor

Produced by Julien Rosa
A ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Audio Wales & West production for ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Radio 3