I, Too, Sing America

Poetry of Great African-American Poets Set to Music by American Composers of Many Races

Two concerts presented in 2001 and 2002 by Theodore Wiprud/New Music Presentation, African-American Art Song Alliance, and Videmus

Program Note

I, Too, Sing America is a program of vocal music and spoken word given during the week of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s birthday, in tribute to Dr. King’s vision of an inclusive society of mutual respect. This year’s concert also marked the centenary of the birth of Langston Hughes. The program has been broadcast on WQXR-FM New York; brought workshops to the Harlem School of the Arts; and received media sponsorship from The New York Amsterdam News.

I Too Sing America affirms that American culture is one world with many voices, that the works of leading African-American poets are beacons to many, and that artists of all races and backgrounds can and should respond in their own ways.

—Theodore Wiprud

2002 Program

American Journal had its New York premiere at I, Too, Sing America in 2002, performed by baritone Andre Solomon-Glover and The Corigliano Quartet.

2001 Program

A Georgia Song had its New York premiere at I, Too, Sing America in 2001, performed by Darryl Taylor, Timothy Ries, and Maria Corley.