Reviews
Coleridge-Taylor Perkinson’s “Sinfonietta No. 1″ (1955) stands as a miniature masterpiece for string orchestra. Under the direction of conductor Kirk Edward Smith…the NEW BMRE expressed the intellectual heft and unmistakeable wit of the score…this concert couldn’t help but change the way listeners think about black music.
10/3/04 Chicago Tribune, Howard Reich
It’s a good thing ISU music professor Kirk Smith is a quick study…had only a few hours to prepare before conducting the symphony’s rehearsal of four works, only one of which he had ever heard before. One piece was a world premiere composition by Libby Larson and the others featured guest artist “Nexus” a nationally acclaimed percussion ensemble. Kenneth Hopper, executive director of the orchestra said Smith has done a great job. “I had heard he was a quick study, so I thought for this program, it would be appropriate to have him,” Hopper said. Smith commented, “This is something that every conductor wants to be prepared for – to be able to step in an help an orchestra…”
2/6/98 Ames Tribune, Diane Heldt
“Alvin Singleton program…a stunning success”…”Without exception, the performances were outstanding and exceptionally communicative…conductor Kirk Edward Smith drew a stunning performance from the combined forces of Georgia State University, Spelman, and Morehouse-the first musical collaboration in the history of those schools.”
10/21/87 Atlanta-Journal Constitution, Derrick Henry
