Library concert marks Black History Month

Published: Wednesday, January 27, 2010

Sima Kustanovich

David Howse

Sima Kustanovich

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NASHUA – The Nashua Public Library is ready to embark on a one-hour journey in recognition of Black History Month, and it has invited the public to come along.

On Sunday, Feb. 7, the NPL will offer “A Great Cry of Soul,” a concert featuring baritone David C. Howse and pianist Sima Kustanovich in a rich exploration of the music and poetry of black Americans.

“Concerts are our most popular programs at Nashua Public Library,” said Carol Luers Eyman, outreach and community services coordinator of the library. “This particular concert received rave reviews from other librarians.”

The concert was performed in 2009 in Amherst, and the NPL has been eager to bring the performance to Nashua. The Friends of the Library are sponsoring the performance, which begins with early Negro spirituals and travels forth to the music of the Harlem Renaissance and beyond.

Musical highlights include rarely performed classical art songs of black American composers such as William Grant Still, Margaret Bonds and Harry T. Burleigh. The presentation also touches on work by poet Langston Hughes.

Howse is the executive director of the Boston Children’s Chorus and the creator of “A Great Cry of Soul.” Frustrated by how little the general public knew of black American composers, he pulled together this collection of music to introduce audiences to compositions that are unfamiliar to many.

“I thought why not do something about it instead of being frustrated,” said Howse, who has been performing recitals for eight years based on the current incarnation of the concert performance. “No two shows have been the same, although they each focus on the same composers and music.”

Howse met Kustanovich while working on a project in Providence, R.I., and was immediately struck by the energy and orchestral feel she brought to the keyboard. The feeling was mutual, and they agreed to work together.

“I jumped at the chance to work with David on this,” said Kustanovich, who teaches at Clark University in Worcester, Mass.

She and Howse presented “A Great Cry of Soul” at Clark for 700 children.

Kustanovich has performed worldwide as a soloist and chamber musician with the Leningrad Opera and Ballet Theater, at France’s Courcheval Chamber Music Festival, Sweden’s St. Jacob’s Cathedral, Toronto’s Conservatory Chamber Music Series and in major cities in Russia, Italy and Estonia.

However diverse her musical experience has been overseas, she notes that the music performed in “A Great Cry of Soul” is largely missing on the concert stage.

“The art and literature of the Harlem Renaissance and the spirituals; this is not usually performed abroad, and it’s beautiful,” Kustanovich said. “As a musician, I am blessed that David has invited me to be a part of this.”

Howse has also performed throughout the world, from the Humbach Theaterhof in Germany to North Carolina’s Brevard Music Center, and locally at Boston’s Jordan and Symphony halls. His performances include work with Boston Vocal Artists, Opera to Go, the Boston Academy of Music and the New England Spiritual Ensemble.

“It’s my hope that ‘A Great Cry of Soul’ will pique the audience’s interest in learning more about these composers,” Howse said.

Howse said there is a common misconception that much of this music, and spirituals in particular, are meant to be sung by African-American artists and choruses only. Nothing could be further from the truth, he said.

“I would like to see symphonies and ballets embrace the music of African-American composers,” Howse said. “I’d like those in attendance to walk away with a deeper appreciation of the music and the hope that springs forth in it.”