Reframing Classical Music's History: Gillian Friedman Fox and Shawn Okpebholo on the 2022 Newport Classical Festival and Enriching a Legacy of Black Composers in America
Gillian Friedman Fox. Credit Meghan Sepe.
How does a storied summer music festival thrive in the 21st century? Especially one located in a town best known for its 19th-century gilded glamor and magnificent mansions?
For Newport Classical's executive director, Gillian Friedman Fox, it's all about finding ways to respect history and tradition while forging new paths for access and inclusion. "For Newport Classical, people are looking for a classical music and arts experience that you just can't find anywhere else," Friedman Fox says in the latest episode of the Classical Post podcast.
"On one hand, [Newport's] charm and glamor is a one-of-a-kind experience and is so glamorous. We feed into that, right? But on the other hand, I really want classical music to be welcoming and I want it to be accessible. We don't want people to feel deterred by what can feel like a really formal experience."
Beginning July 1, the 2022 edition of Newport Classical will showcase 32 artists and ensembles in 24 performances across 11 of the town's most beautiful venues, including the iconic Breakers, the "summer cottage" of the Gilded Age's famous Vanderbilt family.
But under Friedman Fox's leadership, Newport Classical isn't just about fabulous locations and big-name performers. It's about shining a light on underrepresented artists who deserve a wider audience. This summer's programming offers a strong focus on women and BIPOC composers, including works by more than 40 women and the world premiere of a new solo piano work from critically acclaimed composer Shawn Okpebholo, commissioned by Newport Classical.
According to Okpebholo, his new work looks to explore the long history of Black music not only in America, but in Newport specifically: "Black classical music matters, and it's not a new thing. It's been going on since this nation was created. We are part of the musical heritage of America."
In this conversation, we speak with both Friedman Fox and Okpebholo about what's in store for Newport audiences this summer. Gillian talks about what inspires her artistic leadership, how Newport's history and architecture inform the festival's programming, and she offers her recommendations for the best places to eat and drink in New York City and Newport. Then, we talk to Shawn about how he approached his Newport Classical commission and what he hopes audiences take away from the new work.
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