Gateways Radio

Series produced by The WFMT Radio Network

Series image

The WFMT Radio Network is proud to present Gateways Radio, a collaboration with WXXI-FM in Rochester, NY, celebrating the performances, artists, and artistry of the Gateways Music Festival.

The Gateways Music Festival Orchestra is a 125+ member ensemble of musicians of African descent under the leadership of conductor Anthony Parnther. The Orchestra made its stunning Carnegie Hall debut on April 24, 2022 as the first all-Black orchestra to be presented by the famed venue.

Gateways Radio features exceptional compositions and exquisite performances, celebrating the Gateways Music Festival’s mission of connecting and supporting classical musicians of African descent and serving as a source of inspiration, enlightenment, and engagement for communities—especially communities underrepresented in classical music.

In its debut radio season, Gateways Radio features works by James V. Cockerham, William Grant Still, William Levi Dawson, Florence Price, Jessie Montgomery, Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, Adolphus Hailstork, Carlos Simon, arrangements of traditional spirituals by Harry T. Burleigh, Hall Johnson, and more. Performers include pianists Armenta Hummings Dumisani and Althea Waites, saxophonists Branford Marsalis and Thomas Walsh, clarinetists Alexander Laing and Anthony McGill, the Imani Winds, Catalyst Quartet, Harlem Quartet, and the Gateways Orchestra with performances under the baton of Gateways’ late music director Michael Morgan.

About the Host:
Garrett McQueen is the host and producer of widely syndicated radio programs including The Sound of 13, The Sounds of Kwanzaa, and now, Gateways Radio. He has been a member of several professional orchestras, most recently the Knoxville Symphony, and holds a Bachelor of Music in Bassoon Performance from the University of Memphis, and a Master of Music in Bassoon Performance from the University of Southern California. He serves on the board of the American Composers Forum and maintains leadership and advisory positions with the Black Opera Alliance, the Gateways Music Festival, and the Lakes Area Music Festival. Away from the airwaves, McQueen offers music and racial equity presentations with past collaborators including the Sphinx Organization, the Kennedy Center, the Apollo Theater, the Minnesota Music Teachers Association, and countless schools, colleges, and universities.

About Gateways Music Festival:
Gateways was founded in 1993 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina by noted classical concert pianist and educator Armenta Hummings Dumisani. The festival relocated to Rochester, New York in 1995 when Dumisani became an Associate Professor at the Eastman School of Music. During the festival, musicians of the Gateways Orchestra, players from major symphony orchestras, faculty from pre-eminent music schools and conservatories, and freelance artists, participate in seven days of performances and events including chamber music recitals, full orchestral concerts, a film series, professional development activities, open rehearsals, lectures, and panels. In addition to inspiring musicians and audiences, Gateways affirms the important role people of African descent have played in classical music for centuries. Hide full description

In its debut radio season, Gateways Radio features works by James V. Cockerham, William Grant Still, William Levi Dawson, Florence Price, Jessie Montgomery, Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson, Adolphus Hailstork, Carlos Simon, arrangements of traditional spirituals by Harry T. Burleigh, Hall Johnson, and more. Performers include pianists Armenta Hummings Dumisani and Althea Waites, saxophonists Branford Marsalis and Thomas Walsh, clarinetists Alexander Laing and Anthony McGill, the Imani Winds, Catalyst Quartet, Harlem Quartet, and the Gateways Orchestra with performances under the baton of Gateways’ late music director Michael Morgan.About the Host:Garrett McQueen is the host and producer of widely syndicated radio programs including The Sound of 13, The Sounds of Kwanzaa, and now, Gateways... Show full description


Additional Files

13 Pieces

Order by: Newest First | Oldest First
Piece image
This week on Gateways Radio, we wrap up this broadcast season with with clarinetist Anthony McGill featured in Richard Danielpour's 'From the Mount...

  • Added: Mar 22, 2023
  • Length: 58:30
Piece image
This week on Gateways Radio, we hear Florence Price's third symphony, as well as works by Valerie Coleman and Johannes Brahms.

  • Added: Mar 14, 2023
  • Length: 58:30
Piece image
This week on Gateways Radio, we hear Billy Childs' 'The Distant Land' as well as Edward Elgar's Enigma Variations.

  • Added: Mar 08, 2023
  • Length: 58:30
Piece image
This week on Gateways Radio, we hear J.S. Bach's Keyboard Concerto No. 1 performed by then twelve year old pianist Seth Blumer, as well as works by...

  • Added: Mar 02, 2023
  • Length: 58:30
Piece image
This week on Gateways Radio, we hear Florence Price's third symphony, Margaret Bonds' 'Sing of the King Who Was Tall and Brown', and works by Chick...

  • Added: Feb 15, 2023
  • Length: 58:30
Piece image
This week on Gateways Radio, we hear Valerie Coleman's 'Portraits of Josephine', as well as works by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, William Grant Still, ...

  • Added: Feb 02, 2023
  • Length: 58:30
Piece image
This week on Gateways Radio, Michael Morgan leads the Gateways Orchestra in Maurice Ravel's 'La Valse'. Also heard will be works by Quincy Jones, M...

  • Added: Feb 02, 2023
  • Length: 58:30
Piece image
This week on Gateways Radio, we hear Eustacio Rosales' 'Bolero' performed by the Gateways Music Festival Percussion. Also heard will be works by Fr...

  • Added: Jan 31, 2023
  • Length: 58:30
Piece image
This week on Gateways Radio, we hear Carlos Simon's 2017 piece 'Amen' to celebrate the Pentecostal church. Also heard are works by Trevor Weston, A...

  • Added: Jan 24, 2023
  • Length: 58:30
Piece image
This week on Gateways Radio, we'll hear cellist Thapelo Masita's riveting recital at the 2019 Gateways Music Festival, as well the Catalyst Quartet...

  • Added: Jan 12, 2023
  • Length: 58:30
Piece image
This week on Gateways Radio, we hear Michael Abels' "Dance for Martin’s Dream" as well as works by Debussy, David Baker, James Lee III, and Colerid...

  • Added: Jan 03, 2023
  • Length: 58:31
Piece image
This week on Gateways Radio, the orchestra revisits William Levi Dawson's 1934 premiere piece updated with their own unique take, and we'll also he...

  • Added: Dec 28, 2022
  • Length: 58:30
Piece image
We kick off the premiere series with Gateways Radio featuring works by Gabriela Lena Frank, James V. Cockerham, Gernot Wolfgang, Scott Joplin, an...

  • Added: Dec 16, 2022
  • Length: 58:30