Solange Knowles Makes History As The First Black Woman To Compose An Original Score For The New York City Ballet!

August 16, 2022 by Kay Johnson in Music with 0 Comments

Solange

Solange Knowles Makes History As The First Black Woman To Compose An Original Score For The New York City Ballet!

Grammy award winning artist Solange Knowles is representing for the Black Girl Magic movement!

The “Cranes In The Sky” singer jointly announced with the New York Times that she’ll debuting an original score this fall for the New York City Ballet. According to her mother, the famed Mrs. Tina Knowles Lawson, Solange is only one of three women, and the first Black woman to hold the prestigious honor.

Sharing her excitement via instagram, the 36-year-old musician wrote:

“very excited to announce i’ve composed an original score for the New York City Ballet….choreography by Gianna Reisen , score performed by the City Ballet Orchestra and soloist from my ensemble….Shows : October 1, 8, 11, and 16 as well as May 2, 11, 13, 17, and 18th at Lincoln Center”

The untitled piece is reportedly set to premiere at the annual Fall Fashion Gala in New York on September 28th, with subsequent shows to follow. Ballet artist Gianna Reisen, who choreographed the 2018 Gala at 19-years-old, will choreograph the piece. And a chamber ensemble and some of Solange’s frequent collaborators will perform it.

Mrs. Tina Knowles Lawson was quick to join in her daughter’s celebration, penning a sweet message to her “genius” second born. She wrote:

“I am beyond proud of Solange ! She is always kicking down doors and opening doors for other Artist of Color! Doing Performance Art in the most prestigious Museums like The Guggenheim, Moca, , The Getty , Venice Bienalle, The Elbphilharmonie Hamburg Germany. The prestigious Chinati Foundation in Marfa Texas Art Festival. Several installations In Museums in Europe. Now she has written and composed the most beautiful musical Piece for the New York Ballet. Solange is the Third woman and the First Black woman to compose a piece for the New York Ballet!!’ Congratulations my little genius I love you and am so proud ! Keep on opening doors . read the article in the New York Times”