2020 has been designated as the official centennial of The Harlem Renaissance; The most influential movement in African American culture, particularly in the creative arts. A century ago, great artists and deep thinkers in varied disciplines converged Uptown making it a melting pot of artistic excellence. Intellectuals, poets, visual artists, musicians, activists alike blended, elevating the neighborhood into a Black cultural mecca. Among those giants many great composers thrived and created. In a tribute to this flourishing period we will highlight the stage works of William Grant Still, Harry Lawrence Freeman, Duke Ellington and Scott Joplin; great music, but lesser known. These revelations and opportunities help to confirm the mission of Harlem Opera Theater; uniting and celebrating underserved performers, composers and audiences.
