The Whittmore Concert Series Celebrates Florence Price and the Legacy of African American Women Composers

The Whittmore Concert Series, presented at Whittmore House, home of the National Women's Forum (NWF) in Washington, D.C., is attracting wide attention for its thoughtfully curated programs and the distinguished artists it brings before DMV audiences. A particularly noteworthy event in their exciting series was an illuminating and passionate concert-lecture devoted to the music and legacy of the distinguished American composer Florence Price, featuring pianist and scholar Dr. Leah Claiborne.

Florence Price (1887–1953) holds a significant place in American musical history. Celebrated as one of the foremost African American women composers of her generation, Price broke important racial and gender barriers in the world of classical music. Her Symphony No. 1 in E minor made history in 1933 when it was performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, marking the first time a symphony by an African American woman composer was presented by a major American orchestra. This landmark achievement established Price as an important voice in American orchestral music and opened a pathway for greater recognition of other composers whose contributions had too often been overlooked.

Dr. Leah Claiborne, an accomplished pianist, educator, and lecturer currently serving on the faculty of the University of the District of Columbia, brought both scholarship, artistic imagination and passion to this fascinating program. Her concert-lecture offered an engaging exploration of Florence Price's life and music and an inspirational description of the role of the Afro-American Spiritual in Price’s music.

Claiborne spoke of Price’s inclusion of the Spirituals in her compositions to convey the courage and suffering of the African American experience. Claiborne shared with the audience how the Spiritual became a vessel to express three types of messages, (1) sorrow, (2) code sound, using bible verses to send messages of freedom and (3) Joy and jubilee.

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Through a carefully selected repertoire, Dr. Claiborne introduced the audience to works by Price and several other important composers, including Estelle Ricketts, who preceded Price, as well as Betty Jackson King, Irene Britton Smith, and Margaret Bonds. Together, these composers represent a remarkable yet frequently underappreciated chapter in the history of American classical music. Their works reveal a rich musical vocabulary, drawing upon European  traditions while incorporating distinctly American influences, African American spirituals, lyrical expression, and elements of the musical heritage of their communities.

As Dr. Claiborne explained, Florence Price was not simply a composer whose work deserved recognition; she was also an active performer who championed her own compositions. Price's Piano Concerto in One Movement received its premiere in 1934, with the composer herself performing as soloist. The concerto, along with her other orchestral and piano works, demonstrated her command of musical form, her expressive imagination, and her ability to create a distinctive American sound. Margaret Bonds, another important pianist and composer, also helped bring Price's music to wider audiences, contributing to the continuing appreciation of her artistic legacy.

Dr. Claiborne's presentation was especially effective because it combined historical insight with live musical interpretation. Rather than simply discussing these composers as figures of the past, she allowed their music to speak directly to the audience. Her performance revealed the individuality, beauty, and emotional depth of the compositions, making the historical narrative all the more compelling.

The Whittmore Concert Series is to be commended for presenting a program that was not only musically rewarding but also historically and culturally significant. The appearance of Dr. Leah Claiborne provided an opportunity to discover and appreciate a remarkable body of work while celebrating the achievements of women who helped shape the American musical landscape.

One hopes that this concert will expand explorations of Florence Price and her contemporaries, and that Dr. Claiborne's important work will inspire additional performances, research, and discoveries. Their music deserves to be heard, studied, and celebrated by generations to come.