Ivy Talk: African American Fiddlers in Albemarle County

Based on his research as a 2020 Fellow of the International Center for Jefferson Studies, David McCormick leads occasional tours of downtown Charlottesville that illuminate the lives of the Scott and Hemings family fiddlers with stops at Maplewood Cemetery, the one-time sites of the Scott and Hemings family homes on Main Street, and a few other important landmarks like the Levy Opera House. In this online presentation, McCormick provides a virtual version of this tour, complete with a performance of fiddle tunes associated with the Scott and Hemings families.

Leading the charge for early music in the 21st century, David McCormick is a multi-instrumentalist, scholar, and educator recognized for curating imaginative performances, creating educational opportunities for students of all ages, and guiding prominent arts organizations through the challenges of our time. In 2021, David took the helm of Early Music America as its sixth executive director, with the ambition of creating a more inclusive, equitable space for all who engage with historical performance

As artistic director of Early Music Access Project, David plays baroque violin and vielle (medieval fiddle) and transforms thoughtful research into dynamic programming. David is a founding member of Alkemie, a medieval ensemble based in New York City, with whom he has appeared at Indianapolis Early Music Festival, Music Before 1800, and Amherst Early Music Festival. He is a 2017 recipient of Shenandoah Conservatory’s Rising Stars Alumni Award.

This talk will be offered via Zoom at 6:30 PM on February 15 and is free, but registration is required here: https://app.donorview.com/1WlbL