Adolphus Hailstork Photo by Phil Schexnyder, courtesy of the Albany Symphony Orchestra (GA)

Over its 35-year history, the Albany Symphony Orchestra has established a strong tradition in south Georgia of performing new music and music by American composers. They have hosted six visiting composers in mini-residencies during the last 10 seasons and commissioned new works by area composers. Their Music Alive residency with Adolphus Hailstork will enhance the Orchestra's new music activities by offering multiple performances of his music: on a regular subscription concert featuring a combined chorus from Albany's four high schools; at an Adventures in Music performance for all area fifth-grade students; and as a part of Celebration Concert IV, an annual event performed in Albany's historic Mt. Zion Baptist Church. In addition, Mr. Hailstork will engage the area's African-American community by working with students at Darton College and Albany State University.

Adolphus Cunningham Hailstork is an alumnus of the Manhattan School of Music, where he earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in composition, and of Michigan State University, where he earned his Ph.D. Since beginning his composition studies in 1960, he has studied with a wide range of composers, including Nadia Boulanger and David Diamond. He has held teaching posts at Michigan State University, Youngstown State University, and Norfolk State University, where he is currently Professor of Music. He writes in a variety of musical styles, from symphonic works to chamber music and choral settings.