Three Centuries of Music of the African Diaspora

In honor of Black History Month, pianist Alexander Wu will present a solo concert of “A Music Legacy! Three Centuries of Music of the African Diaspora” at the Montauk Library on Sunday, February 2, at 3:30 p.m. Join the library for a celebration of the beauty, diversity and enduring impact of the legacy of African diasporic music and culture.

‘Music of the African Diaspora” showcases music composed by Africans and descendants of African slaves. Pianist and music arranger Alexander Wu returns to the Montauk Library to perform and introduce works by notable composers such as Harry T. Burleigh, Florence B. Price, Scott Joplin, Duke Ellington, Modesta Bor, Mary Lou Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, R. Nathanile Dett, Tania León, William Grant Still, Herbie Hancock, Nina Simone, Sam Cooke and others.

California native Alexander A. Wu makes his home in Manhattan. He has performed on international stages as a soloist with orchestras and a chamber player with renowned artists in the classical, Latin and jazz worlds. He teaches privately in Manhattan and at City College at C.U.N.Y. In 2010, he joined the elite roster of Yamaha Performing Artists. As a guest artist and speaker he has given numerous concerts and master classes at libraries, concert halls and schools. Currently, Wu is on the piano faculty at Third Street Music School Settlement in the East Village and he is the artistic director and co-founder of the Millennium Chamber Players in New York City. Wu’s discography includes “Bach to the Future: Classical & Jazz Piano,” “Rhythm Road Across the Americas,” “Four Hand Band,” “ZigZag Quartet” and the much acclaimed “George Gershwin — An American Original.”

The concert is free and open to the public. Montauk Library is at 871 Montauk Highway in Montauk. Visit montauklibrary.org/events to register.