Adolphus Hailstork’s compositions have been described as a crossover hybrid of African-American and European-American Music. He received his doctorate in composition from Michigan State University following studies at the Manhattan School of Music under Vittorio Giannini and David Diamond, at the American Institute at Fontainebleau with Nadia Boulanger, and at Howard University with Mark Fax.

Dr. Hailstork has written numerous works for chorus, solo voice, various chamber ensembles, band, and orchestra. His composition Celebration was recorded in 1976 by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Several of his pieces have won awards including Out of the Depths (Belwin-Mills Max Winkler Award presented by the Band Directors National Association, 1977); American Guernica (First Prize in a national contest sponsored by the Virginia College Band Directors, 1983); and Mourn Not the Dead, (Ernest Bloch Award for choral composition, 1971) and the chamber work Consort Piece (First Prize by the University of Delaware Festival of Contemporary Music, 1995). Three of his largest and most frequently performed choral works are the triptych Songs of Isaiah, the oratorio Done Made My Vow, and the cantata I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes.

In 1990 a consortium of five orchestras commissioned a Piano Concerto which was premiered by Leon Bates in 1992. Dr. Hailstork was commissioned to write Festival Music for the Baltimore Symphony and his other compositions have been performed by the Philadelphia Orchestra, Chicago Symphony and New York Philharmonic, led by conductors Daniel Barenboim, James DePriest, and Kurt Masur. His second symphony (commissioned by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra), and his second opera, Joshua’s Boots (commissioned by the Opera Theatre of St. Louis and the Kansas City Lyric Opera), were premiered in 1999.

Adolphus Hailstork — Arabesques

A very unique recital piece by the leading African-American composer showcasing both performers. In five contrasting movements, including solos for flute and vibraphone, and two movements with rhythmic patterns of 5 and 10, common to Arabic music. Percussion (1 player) includes xylophone, marimba, vibraphone, tom-toms, claves, tam-tam, and medium gong.

Suited for:

For Flute and Percussion (1 player - xylophone, marimba, vibraphone, tom-toms, claves, medium gong), 11-12 minutes.
FL-0156 . . . $29.00

Adolphus Hailstork — Songs of the Magi

Renowned African-American composer Adolphus Hailstork’s beautiful piece in four movements works well for recitals and church programs. Stylistically romantic with subtle modern influences. Solo part may be performed by flute, oboe or clarinet.

Suited for:

For Flute (or Oboe or Clarinet) and String Quartet, 17 minutes.
MC-0155 . . . $32.00

Adolphus Hailstork — The Pied Piper of Harlem

A three movement solo piece with contrasting African-American musical styles; suitable for student and professional players.

Suited for:

For Flute Solo, 5 minutes.
FL-9910 . . . $14.00