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Adolphus Hailstork in conversation with Donald Macleod discusses wrestling with his own cultural duality

American composer Adolphus Hailstork has written in many genres ranging from orchestral and chamber, to choral, song cycles and operatic scenes. Of African American heritage and now in his eighties, Hailstork’s works have been performed by major orchestras in Chicago, New York and Philadelphia, and leading conductors have championed his music, including Kurt Masur, Daniel Barenboim and Lorin Maazel. Born in 1941, his early instrumental studies included the organ, piano, violin and the voice, but it was his experience both in the Anglican Cathedral tradition, and hearing and singing spirituals, that have had a significant impact upon the development of his own musical language. For many years he’s been a Professor of Music at the Old Dominion University in Norfolk, and he resides in the state of Virginia, USA. His own list of teachers is impressive, not least of all Nadia Boulanger at the American Institute at Fontainebleau. Hailstork’s own reputation has been significant, and he’s been called the Dean of African-American composers.

In conversation with the composer Adolphus Hailstork, Donald Macleod explores the many and varied influences upon the composer and his music. From a geographical location which inspired An American Port of Call, setting texts from the Rubaiyat, to how important it is for Hailstork to have the support of his wife Qiu Jin. The composer goes on to discuss his exploration of his own cultural heritage, and how this has impacted upon his own creative development, whilst also looking ahead to works in the pipeline including a further symphony, and two piano concertos.

An American Port of Call
Virginia Symphony Orchestra
JoAnn Falletta, conductor

Arabesques
Debra Cross, flute
Robert Cross, percussion

Seven Songs of the Rubaiyat
McCullough Chorale
Donald McCullough, director

Whitman’s Journey: I launch out on the endless seas
Kevin Deas, baritone
Virginia Symphony Chorus
Virginia Symphony Orchestra
JoAnn Falletta, conductor

Produced by Luke Whitlock