The Santa Monica Public Library will present Stephen Lockwood and his ensemble performing the music of Normand Lockwood at 7:30 p.m. Thursday Dec. 1 in the Main Library’s Martin Luther King Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd., Santa Monica.
Normand Lockwood (1906-2002) studied composition with Nadia Boulanger, the teacher of Aaron Copland, Philip Glass, and many others, but worked primarily as a college professor and studio arranger, working on Paul Robeson’s version of “Old Man River” and other hits. He continued writing concert music, but much of it was never performed outside of the colleges where he worked.
Steve Lockwood is a Los Angeles-based jazz and classical pianist, who has performed with Meredith Monk, George Lewis, and members of the band from the Conan O’Brien show.
Initially curious about Normand because of their shared last name, he eventually discovered they are distant relatives. He has assembled an all-star group to perform a program of Normand Lockwood’s music from the 1920s to 1980s, including a vocalist and woodwind quintet, as well as his own piano work.
A CD of compositions by both Lockwoods is available, and this concert will be recorded for a possible follow-up.
This program is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and on a first arrival basis. The auditorium is wheelchair-accessible. For other disabled services, call Administration at 310-458-8606 one week ahead. The Main Library is directly served by Big Blue Bus lines 1, 7, R7, R10, and 18. Lines 2, 3, R3, and 9, and the Metro Expo line also stop within a short walking distance. Ride your bike. For more information, call 310-458-8600 or visit smpl.org.