Simon Flute Concerto

This project was fiscally sponsored through the SLC Arts, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization located in Potsdam, St. Lawrence County, New York State. All donations are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law.

“MOVEMENTS”
for Flute and Orchestra

World Premiere 2022

I am thrilled to announce my latest project, a consortium commission of the Concerto for Flute and Orchestra by Carlos Simon. This work, premiered in 2022, is the second American solo flute concerto by a Black composer. In a time of cultural and civil change, this piece helps in creating a more diverse and inclusive environment for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) musicians, and a richer repertoire for the orchestral community.

Dr. Simon studied at the University of Michigan with Michael Daugherty and Evan Chambers. He has also earned degrees from Georgia State University and Morehouse College. Additionally, he studied in Baden, Austria, at the Hollywood Music Workshop with Conrad Pope and at New York University’s Film Scoring Summer Workshop. Learn more at coliversimon.com

WORLD PREMIERE

Hastings, Nebraska

april 24, 2022

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Orchestral Partners

Performers

James Miller, The US Army Band “Pershing’s Own”

"When Brian first told me about this project I knew immediately I had to contribute. The classical music industry has a long history of excluding Black artists and composers due to systemic racism. Black composers often do not receive the exposure or prominence they deserve. Black voices need to be elevated in order to expand the canon of classical music. Carlos Simon's Concerto for flute will breathe new life and be a great addition to the flute repertoire"

Adam Sadberry

“The Memphis Symphony Orchestra and I are beyond excited to join the effort to bring Carlos Simon’s flute concerto to life.

Black composers and artists have always been eclipsed in the classical music world; they are usually only given attention on Martin Luther King Day concerts or when organizations need to “prove” that they care about Black music. Utilizing a handful of concerts every year to demonstrate “loyalty" exacerbates the problem because it sends the message that Black composers and artists are only valuable when the image of an organization is at stake. It has ALWAYS been time to correct this mindset, but now that it is a mainstream idea, it is our responsibility to give Black composers and artists a permanent place on stages and programs. Supporting Carlos Simon’s concerto is a brilliant and easy way to work towards a more inclusive classical music world.”