Groundbreaking master of angelic instrument set to take wing (BSO)

[Blue_Tires]

One day in high school, Ann Hobson Pilot, an aspiring harpist who happened to be African-American, was at a friend’s house when the girl’s mother pointed to a picture on the wall. It showed a white woman with flowing blond hair.

“Now she looks like a harpist is supposed to,’’ the woman said with an edge.

Hobson Pilot still remembers the sting of the comment, even a half century later. She remembers it as she prepares for the highlight of her four decades with the Boston Symphony Orchestra, tomorrow night’s premiere of a concerto written for her by John Williams.

“It surprises me when I think back to that time,’’ says Hobson Pilot, now 65. “I worked hard, but what was I thinking? The harp was considered to be the instrument of an angel, a white woman with flowing gowns.’’

From the Symphony Hall stage, Hobson Pilot changed that perception.

“No one thinks of Ann Hobson Pilot as an African-American harp player,’’ says Mark Volpe, the BSO’s managing director. “They think of her as the great harp player of her time.’’

http://www.boston.com/ae/music/articles/2009/09/22/bsos_master_of_the_harp_ann_hobson_pilot_ready_to_take_wing_after_a_final_bow/

[Karenina]

“No one thinks of Ann Hobson Pilot as an African-American harp player..."

OH? :rofl:

[Karenina]

1. “No one thinks of Ann Hobson Pilot as an African-American harp player..."

OH? :rofl:

[noiretextatique]

2. harpist from the hood: Destiny

she plays at my church sometimes.
http://www.harpistfromthehood.com/

[fortyfeetunder]

3. I have GOT to hear this concerto....

I love listening to harp music while I work...still looking for a recording!

[Fire1]

4. Yeah, just like God is "white." n/t

[Brewman_Jax]

5. Great article

I like seeing articles when black people are doing something they aren't "supposed" to be doing--and doing it well! :D