Dr. Arne Spohr is an Associate Professor of Musicology at Bowling Green State University where he teaches courses in music history and directs the BGSU Early Music Ensemble. Spohr’s research focuses on musical issues of cultural exchange and court culture in Britain, Germany, and Scandinavia between 1500 and 1750. In his research project entitled “Forgotten Voices: Rediscovering Europe's Black Musical Past,” Dr. Spohr sheds light on the lived experiences and musical contributions of Black composers and performers in Europe between 1450 and 1800.
Jordi Savall, conductor and violist, presented a tribute in memoriam of victims of the slave trade. Savall and his large array of guest performers explore three music styles from three continents that where all involved in slave trade. Historical text on slavery accompany the orchestra beginning with entries from as far back as 1444 all the way up to texts written by Martin Luther King Jr. The goal of the tribute was to pay homage to victims of slavery, explore different music styles, reveal attitudes aimed towards Africans in other continents, and to celebrate hope.