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Dean of the Midwest

Florence Price takes the Windy City by storm, as Kate Molleson and Samantha Ege explore her rise, resilience and success in Chicago.

Florence Price arrives in Chicago at a moment of creative energy and possibility. Alongside pianist and author Samantha Ege, Kate Molleson follows Price into the South Side’s vibrant musical world, where she finds recognition, community and the freedom to compose at scale. From popular and pedagogical music to large scale orchestral ambition, it seems that finally – but briefly – the world was ready for her.

Fantasie No. 1 in G minor
Randall Goosby, violin
Zhu Wang, piano

The Goblin and the Mosquito
Alexandra Dariescu, piano

Rocking Chair
Artina McCain, piano

At the Cotton Gin
Artina McCain, piano

Moon Bridge
VocalEssence Ensemble Singers
Paul Shaw, piano

Songs to the Dark Virgin
Jonathan King, tenor
Will Liverman, baritone

Ethiopia’s Shadow in America (extracts)
ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra
John Jeter, conductor

Symphony No. 1 in E minor – I. Allegro ma non troppo
Fort Smith Symphony
John Jeter, conductor

Produced by Ellie Ajao for BBC Audio Wales and West.

7 days left to listen

59 minutes

Music Played

  • Florence Price

    Fantasie No. 1 in G minor

    Performer: Randall Goosby. Performer: Zhu Wang.
    • Decca : 4851664.
    • DECCA.
    • 11.
  • Florence Price

    The Goblin and the Mosquito

    Performer: Alexandra Dariescu.
    • SIGNUM : SIGCD-895.
    • SIGNUM.
    • 15.
  • Florence Price

    Rocking Chair

    Performer: Artina McCain.
    • NAVONA.
  • Florence Price

    At the Cotton Gin

    Performer: Artina McCain.
    • NAVONA.
  • Florence Price

    The Moon Bridge

    Performer: Paul Shaw. Music Arranger: Philip Brunelle. Choir: VocalEssence.
    • Clarion CLR907CD.
    • Clarion.
    • 4.
  • Florence Price

    Songs to the Dark Virgin

    Performer: Jonathan King. Singer: Will Liverman.
    • CEDILLE : CDR90000226.
    • CEDILLE.
    • 13.
  • Florence Price

    Ethiopia's Shadow in America

    Orchestra: Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: John Jeter.
    • NAXOS : 8.559897.
    • NAXOS.
    • 9.
  • Florence Price

    Symphony No. 1 in E minor (1st mvt)

    Orchestra: Fort Smith Symphony Orchestra. Conductor: John Jeter.
    • NAXOS : 8.559827.
    • NAXOS.
    • 1.

Broadcast

  • Wed 13 May 2026 16:00

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