Colleen Phelps

Hannibal Lokumbe is not caught up in what classical music “should” be. He composes for symphony orchestra, and improvises on the trumpet. He plays in concert halls, churches, and prisons.

On his visit to Nashville this past winter for a residency with local chamber ensemble Intersection, the main event was a performance of his massive piece Crucifixion/Resurrection: 9 Souls A Traveling. The work is massive and emotional – a large scale choral/orchestral requiem for the Charleston Nine. But Lokumbe also made time for public speaking on the topics of mass incarceration, the spiritual existence of people of color, and the life of Fannie Lou Hamer.

Composer Jennifer Higdon has built one of the most diverse and exciting catalogs of music in our time. She has written tone poems, operas, choral works, and band music. But her concerto list is by far the most varied and creative.

There is a set of usual suspects to act as soloists with orchestra: piano, and violin mainly. But by working with artists directly, Higdon’s music fits anyone – even a low brass section – like a piece of tailor-made clothing.

Even the casual figure skating fan might notice how often Ravel's Bolero is used as a soundtrack for short and long programs at the Olympics. No less than three have skated to it this week so far. Classical music host Colleen Phelps explains why.