Ceylon Mitchell, a 2021 Strathmore Resident Artist, brings his ensemble and their passion for the Brazilian Choro and Afro-Caribbean music to St. Mary’s County. The choro, birthed in Rio de Janeiro in the mid 19th century, has its roots in African syncopated rhythms and European dance forms, including the lundú, the polka, and the habanera – an intriguing musical blend. The program also includes chamber music by Afro-Cuban composers.
During National Hispanic Heritage Month, Ceylon and his acclaimed ensemble will demonstrate the unique development of Western-European classical flute music in the Latin American countries of Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Brazil.
Throughout this classical crossover program, audiences will enjoy the sounds of formalized Western virtuosic writing, the improvisation and complexity of distinct national musical styles, as well as the African rhythms, harmonic progressions and flowing melodies of Caribbean music.
This project is supported by the Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council.
Just as the notes from his flute fly and float on air, Ceylon Mitchell is always in motion. This musician, educator, entrepreneur, and arts advocate is driven by his mission of keeping classical music alive, authentic, and accessible with programming and performances that promote traditionally marginalized communities, especially Black and Latinx cultural identities.
Originally from Alaska, this new dad is currently a Doctor of Musical Arts student at the University of Maryland, College Park. Mitchell is the recipient of a Prince George’s Arts and Humanities Council Artist Fellowship Grant and a Prince George’s County Forty Under 40 Award in Arts and Humanities.
Sponsored by Ellen and Michael Gold ♫ and Ava Kaufman