Carnegie Hall

This symposium—a Paul J. Burgett Lecture and Community Conversation of Gateways Music Festival—explores classical music, African American culture, and the legacy of spirituals. Presented in collaboration with Tuskegee University and the Weill Music Institute, performers, scholars, and audiences gather to explore the work of composer William Levi Dawson. Louise Toppin (University of Michigan) illuminates Dawson’s life and work, and the significance of his integration of spirituals into concert-hall repertoire and the symphonic tradition. Wayne Barr and Yi Chang (Tuskegee University) discuss Dawson’s music, contributions to Tuskegee, and inclusion and validation of Negro spirituals in his compositions. These presentations will be followed by a panel discussion that includes Damien Sneed (Howard University), giving context and perspectives on Dawson and the broader impact of African American music traditions. The symposium culminates with Amber Rogers, soprano and 2024 National Association of Negro Musicians’ Scholarship Competition winner, in a performance of selections by Dawson.

This symposium is free to attend and runs from 10 AM to 2 PM. We kindly ask all patrons to reserve their tickets in advance. Please note, while your reservation helps us anticipate attendance, seating will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis and is subject to venue capacity.