On Saturday, April 20, at 3:00pm, the WPI Concert Band will perform a world premiere inspired by cycling champion Marshall Walter “Major” Taylor, who made Worcester his home.
The free concert, open to the public, will be held at the Worcester Area Mission Society, at 6 Institute Rd.
The WPI Concert Band, under the direction of Assistant Teaching Professor Mitchell Lutch, commissioned the piece entitled The Ride. Its composer, music educator and Director of Performing Arts for Shrewsbury Public Schools, Thomas O’Toole will conduct his work at the concert.
Major Taylor was the second African American athlete to win a World Championship in any sport. “The Worcester Whirlwind” won the world cycling championship in 1899 and became the American sprint champion in 1900. Born in Indianapolis, later making Worcester his home, Taylor battled racism and prejudice from white riders and some neighbors. His often-untold story is the subject of a new documentary from WTIU, Indiana Public Media.
In Worcester, Taylor’s legacy is honored in several ways including a statue at the Worcester Public Library; the Major Taylor Museum, which opened in 2021; and the annual George Street Bike Challenge for Major Taylor – a challenging hill climb for cyclists which raises funds for the Major Taylor Association.
The WPI Concert Band is honored to help tell his story.
The concert will also feature the WPI Brass Ensemble, under the direction of Assistant Teaching Professor Douglas Olsen, and piano soloist, Binan Gu, performing George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with the Concert Band.
For more information, contact Mitchell Lutch.
