When you turn on your radio and find yourself listening to the music of a composer whose work you’re familiar with, who do you credit for that knowledge? It’s important to highlight the ways in which teachers, musicologists, and radio hosts keep the spirit of composers alive, but it’s also vital to remember the individual musicians whose work contributes to the general awareness of those who have passed on. Hi there – I’m Loki Karuna, and on this edition of Noteworthy I’m proud to highlight a woman whose work has significantly contributed to our knowledge of the late great Florence Price: a pianist named Karen Walwyn.
Born in 1962, Karen Michele Walwyn spent most of her career not only performing piano works, but helping audiences discover new ones. After gaining a reputation as a champion of works by Florence Price, she was invited to perform Price’s single movement Piano Concerto with the New Black Repertory Ensemble, which upon the performance recording’s commercial release, made Karen the first person heard by millions performing this historic composition.
Since being a part of the debut recording of this work, Karen Walwyn has recorded many other pieces by Florence Price, contributing significantly to broader awareness of this historic composer. Whether Florence Price’s music is new to you or a familiar favorite, you have Karen Walwyn to thank: one of America’s most noteworthy musicians.