Adolphus Hailstork to be Honored by L.A. Philharmonic
February 13, 2019
Adolphus Hailstork
By Joe Garvey
Adolphus Hailstork, professor and Eminent Scholar in Old Dominion University's Department of Music, will be honored Feb. 17 for lifetime achievements by the Los Angeles Philharmonic. He will receive this recognition immediately after the world premiere of his latest composition, "Still Holding On," at the Philharmonic's Disney Concert Hall.
The accolade comes as part of the celebration of the L.A. Philharmonic's centennial season.
"Adolphus Hailstork is an exceptionally prolific composer, writing for all genres of musical ensembles," said Nancy K. Klein, chair of the Department of Music and professor of choral music. "His creativity and passion for music are an inspiration to his composition students and to those who have the opportunity to perform his music."
Hailstork has been at Old Dominion since 2000. He writes in a variety of forms and styles: symphonic works and tone poems for orchestra; two concertos (for piano and for violin) and numerous chamber works; duos for such combinations as horn and piano, clarinet and piano, flute and piano; numerous songs, including those for soprano, baritone, mezzosoprano, some with piano and others with orchestra or chamber group; band works and transcriptions; and many pieces for piano and pipe organ.
Hailstork's newest works include "The World Called" (based on Rita Dove's poem "Testimonial"), a work for soprano, chorus and orchestra commissioned by the Oratorio Society of Virginia (premiered in May 2018), and "Nobody Know," a chamber work for baritone voice and string quartet commissioned by the Harlem Chamber Ensemble, which will premiere Feb. 28 in New York City. On the same program will be the premiere of his "Piano Quintet 'Detroit'" for piano and strings.
Along with a University faculty research award, Hailstork has received the ALLI AWARD for lifetime achievement from the Cultural Alliance of Greater Hampton Roads, the Culturate Laureate Award of Virginia, the Governor's Award for the Arts, the Outstanding Faculty Award from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, and the Charles O. and Elisabeth C. Burgess Award for Faculty Research and Creativity from ODU's College of Arts and Letters.
