Portrait of a Queen

Piotr Gajewski, conductor
Julius Wirth, viola
Rehanna Thelwell, narrator

Ralph Vaughan-Williams, Flos Campi
Carlos Simon, Portrait of a Queen  

Principal violist Julius Wirth is the featured soloist in Flos Campi, which also includes a wordless accompaniment from the National Philharmonic Chorale.

Carlos Simon’s moving Portrait of the Queen traces the evolution of Black people in America through the lens of one figurative Black woman who represents strength, courage, and selflessness. Dramatic spoken word, written by Courtney D. Ware, poetically expresses the thoughts and feelings of the protagonist, enhancing her musical portrait.