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African-American Conductors Make History on Broadway

(Photo courtesy of sneakpeekphotography.com)
(Photo courtesy of sneakpeekphotography.com)

A watershed moment, a major milestone, recently took place on Broadway, with the orchestras of four major shows led under the batons of distinguished African-American music directors and conductors. This marks the first time in the history of Broadway that this many African-Americans have been in executive roles in major productions running contemporaneously.
The men in front of the orchestra and behind the music are (L to R) Daryl Waters, music supervisor and conductor for “After Midnight,” recalling Duke Ellington’s years at the Cotton Club; Zane Mark, music director and conductor for “Holler If Ya Hear Me,” inspired by the late hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur; Joseph Joubert, music director and conductor for “Motown the Musical,” about Berry Gordy’s famous music label; and Shelton Becton, conductor, pianist and performer in “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill,” about the legendary Billie Holliday.
article via amsterdamnews.com


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  1. Denise Edwards Denise Edwards July 15, 2017

    This is exciting and long over due . To see these conductors on Broadway makes me smile because there are so many talented black people that has missed this opportunity. These young men deserved the recognition, a great accomplishment and hope this change will continue and we see this as the norm on Broadway. As a theater goer this is awesome, but i have moved from NYC. Hope this last so i can visit and be able to visit and experience this live.

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