Chineke! and Angel Blue Premiere Forgotten Black Composer's Ballet 2026

The Chineke! Orchestra under conductor Jonathon Heyward recently gave the belated premiere of Ballet by forgotten Black composer Edmund Thornton Jenkins, with soprano Angel Blue as featured soloist. This historic concert, part of the Proms, marks a significant step in widening perceptions of early 20th-century composers.

Rediscovering Edmund Thornton Jenkins

Edmund Thornton Jenkins, born in Charleston, South Carolina, died in Paris at just 32, leaving behind a legacy that was nearly lost. He studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London, where he composed his three-movement Ballet in 1918. The incomplete manuscript parts were reconstructed by his great-nephew, Tuffus Zimbabwe, allowing this work to finally be heard.

The Ballet's Structure and Musicality

The Ballet opens with a substantial Processional that shifts from ominous to light-footed, showcasing Jenkins' gift for melody and countermelody. The second movement features a bubbling flute duet and a florid viola solo, demonstrating his intricate weaving of musical lines. However, the finale's waltz feels somewhat slender next to its bold trumpet fanfare, though it concludes with an exuberant, uptempo ending.

Angel Blue's Showcase

The first half also served as a platform for the US soprano Angel Blue, who performed Barber's Knoxville: Summer of 1915. Her interpretation brought the poetic text to life, though a song by Margaret Bonds was unfortunately dropped from the program.

Comparison of Works Performed

Key Takeaways from the Concert

• Chineke! continues its mission to unearth music by forgotten Black composers.
• Jenkins' Ballet shows remarkable talent despite its incomplete history.
• Angel Blue's performance highlighted her vocal prowess and interpretive depth.
• The concert underscores the importance of reconstructing lost works.

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