September 12–19, 1996

best bets

Leon Bates

By Peter Burwasser

Every year, the Network for New Music hosts a fund-raising gala featuring an eminent composer discussing their works, followed by a short recital. Whether by chance or by design, many of these composers have had a prominent Philadelphia connection. Milton Babbitt was an undergrad at Penn, and Jacob Druckman grew up here. George Rochberg taught at Penn for many years. Bernard Rands was the Philadelphia Orchestra composer in residence. This year, the honored guest will be Pulitzer Prize winner George Walker, whose local claim to fame is having been the first black graduate of the Curtis Institute of Music, in 1945. He continued his doctorate work at the Eastman School.

As befits the product of these two vaunted, but conservative institutions, Walker is a composer in the grand manner. His beautifully crafted, deeply lyrical music can easily be considered in the company of Barber, Hanson and Copland; it is distinctively stamped as American music

For the Network gala, pianist Leon Bates, who was a star pupil of one of Walker's great champions, the late Natalie Hinderas, will perform the Sonata No. 2 for Piano. He will also accompany soprano Martha Elliott in a performance of the Emily Dickenson Songs. Guests can chat with the composer and musicians at the cocktail reception that will conclude the evening

Network for New Music Annual Gala. Friday, November 1, 5:30pm,Philadelphia Art Alliance, Rittenhouse Square. 848-7647.