In a blend of cultural tribute and musical excellence, the Austro-American Society for Styria (ÖAG Styria), in collaboration with the Fulbright Austria Alum Chapter Styria, hosted an evening with the music of African-American women composers. This musical soirée supported by ÖAG Styria board member Kathryn List was held in Graz on 15 January 2024 and coincided with the observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, marking it as a celebration of cultural heritage and artistic prowess.
Celebrating African-American women composers: A musical tribute on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
2 February 2024The Fulbright Austria Alum Chapter Styria and the Austro-American Society for Styria organized a presentation entitled “African-American Women Composers: Their Lives and Their Music.”
The event spotlighted the talents of Anné-Marie Condacse (vocals), the 2023 –24 Fulbright-Botstiber Visiting Professor of Austrian-American Studies in Austria and a professor at Oklahoma State University, and Antoinette van Zabner (piano), a member of Fulbright Austria’s board and a professor at the University of Music and Performing Arts Vienna. Their renditions of pieces by iconic African-American women composers, including the renowned Florence Price, inspired the audience.
After an official note of welcome from Roberta Maierhofer, president of the ÖAG Styria, Anné-Marie introduced the audience to the rich tapestry of lives led by African-American women composers. The venue, Bar Flora at the Parkhotel Graz, offered a great backdrop for this event, creating a space for reflection, appreciation, and musical immersion. The gathering also served as a vibrant networking hub where members of the ÖAG Styria and the alum chapter mingled, shared insights, and enjoyed refreshments in a spirit of shared mission: to bridge cultures and foster mutual understanding between Austria and the US.
Anné-Marie Condacse performing songs of African-American women composers
Antoinette van Zabner
Attendees at the event jointly organized at Bar Flora by ÖAG Styria and the Fulbright Austria Alum Chapter Styria
(l. to r.) Roberta Maierhofer, Anné-Marie Condacse, Antoinette van Zabner, Barbara Zach, and Kathryn List