Alexa Still Photo: Supplied
It’s 25 years since she left the NZSO, but flutist Alexa Still is still making great music.
Photo: Ryan Sprowl www.ryansprowl.com
Her latest album, Wish, features the music of fellow flute player and African American composer, Valerie Coleman.
It’s not the first time Alexa Still has championed the work of an African American composer: she also participated in an album of music by William Grant Still (no relation).
"I champion music of people who I feel are not given the acknowledgement that they are due. And for William Grant Still, in the States that's kind of a big deal."
"I think Valerie Coleman and other African American flute players noticed that I have done this, and so right from when I first met her she was very welcoming to me and made a point of reaching out to me."
"I've always just loved her music... She's turned into a great friend."
Her collaboration with Valerie Coleman in Wish is more than a musical adventure – it also features the poetry of several leading African American writers including Maya Angelou.
Alexa Still, who is now based at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio, spoke to RNZ Concert’s Three to Seven host Bryan Crump about the album, what draws her to African American classical music, and life in the United States.
Music:
Coleman, Valerie: Fanmi Imen, excerpt – Alexa Still (flute), Evan Hines (piano) (Oberlin Music OC-23-01)
Coleman, Valerie: Elegy for flute ensemble, excerpt – Alexa Still (solo flute), flute ensemble, Tim Wiess (conductor) (Oberlin Music OC-23-01)
