Great Performances Season 49 Episode 23 Now Hear This "Florence Price and the American Migration"

Now Hear This "Florence Price and the American Migration" is a fascinating episode from season 49 of Great Performances. In this episode, we explore the life and legacy of one of America's most important and influential composers, Florence Price. Price was born in Arkansas in 1887 and became the first African American woman to have a symphony performed by a major American orchestra.

As we dive into Price's incredible story, we also explore the broader context of the Great Migration, a period of mass migration of African Americans from the rural South to the urban North between 1916 and 1970. This migration had a profound impact on American culture, and we see how it influenced Price's music in particular.

The episode features interviews with experts on African American history and music, including historian Isabel Wilkerson, composer Trevor Weston, and Price's granddaughter, Florence LaBorde. We also get to hear stunning performances of Price's music by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, conducted by renowned conductor Mei-Ann Chen.

Overall, Now Hear This "Florence Price and the American Migration" is a captivating exploration of the life and music of a truly remarkable composer. It offers insights into the broader social and cultural context of the Great Migration and highlights the enduring impact of Price's work on American music. Whether you're a music lover, history buff, or simply curious about the rich tapestry of American culture, this episode of Great Performances is not to be missed.