By: Luke Rossi
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – A three-day celebration of the life and work of Florence Price, an African-American composer, begins today in Giffels Auditorium.
Price is known for becoming the first ever African-American woman composer when she had her compositions played by a major orchestra at the Chicago World’s Fair.
The Little Rock native began her music career as early as the age of four when she had her first piano performance. She went on to become a published producer at the age of 14. Throughout her lifetime, she was able to create over 300 compositions including her famous “Symphony in E Minor,” which won the Wanamaker Prize in 1932.
The events begin tonight with a screening of the film, “The Caged Bird: The Life and Music of Florence B. Price.” After the documentary, there will be a panel discussion which includes a group of film and music experts.
The three-day Black History Month tribute to Price continues tomorrow, where there will be a free public luncheon in Mullins Library 11:30 a.m. The Events will wrap up with a Florence B. Price music concert at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Arend Arts Center in Bentonville.