Rufus commissioned by Appalachian Chamber Music Festival

The Appalachian Chamber Music Festival honored me last year by performing my String Orchestra Piece, Wind and Sail. This ensemble is made up of extraordinary world class musicians. I was blown away with their ability to make my notes come to life. I could not have been happier.

This year, they totally stunned me by commissioning me to compose for their concert series, to celebrate the legacy of the Niagara Movement and it’s lasting impact on music and society. The theme of this season was a challenge for me because of the subject matter of racial inequities in our country. This is a very important time in our history. The Niagara Movement for Civil Rights, was the forerunner of the NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People).

I bring The Niagara Movement Suite to this ensemble knowing they will do it justice.

If you are in the neighborhood and can attend any of the concerts in this series, you will not be disappointed.