Restoration of Works by William Grant Still

The Philadelphia Orchestra

Yannick Nézet-Séguin. Photo courtesy of Philadelphia Orchestra.

Yannick Nézet-Séguin and The Philadelphia Orchestra, Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. Photo by Jessica Griffin.

Recipient

Grant Year 2022

Grant Amount $360,000

Status Completed

Updated December 18, 2024

The Philadelphia Orchestra recovers the less commonly known musical works of 20th-century Black composer William Grant Still through performances in concert hall, community, and virtual settings. Though many of Still’s compositions were recognized during his lifetime (1895–1978), his complete body of work continues to be overlooked, and this project provides it with wider visibility. Influenced by jazz, spirituals, and other genres, Still’s body of work includes five symphonies, four ballets, nine operas, over thirty choral works, as well as art songs, chamber music, and works for solo instruments. In cooperation with the composer’s daughter, Judith Still, the orchestra is restoring previously neglected musical scores. Program notes, blog posts, and videos place Still’s work in historical and social context.

The total grant amount represents project funding plus an additional 20% in unrestricted general operating support.

Primary EventsEvents & Exhibitions

Yuja Wang Performs Still's Second Symphony

Jan 16–18, 2025
Marian Anderson Hall, 300 S. Broad St., Philadelphia, PA, 19102

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Yannick Nézet-Séguin with The Philadelphia Orchestra. Photo by Jessica Griffin.

Our City, Your Orchestra Live Featuring William Grant Still's Woodnotes

Jun. 26, 2024
7:00 p.m.
Temple Performing Arts Center
1837 N. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122

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Trifonov Plays Gershwin Program featuring a work by William Grant Still

Oct 6–8, 2023
Verizon Hall
Kimmel Cultural Campus
300 S Broad St
Philadelphia, PA 19102

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Recipient

The Philadelphia Orchestra

Founded in 1900, The Philadelphia Orchestra has distinguished itself as one of the world's leading orchestras. Beyond concerts at its home venue the Kimmel Center, the Orchestra performs for Philadelphia audiences during the summer months at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, as well as in venues across the region, and it tours internationally. Recently, the Orchestra was named BBC Music Magazine’s Orchestra of the Year, heralded the return of music to Carnegie Hall, and won a GRAMMY Award for the music of Florence Price.

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