Aaron Robinson (composer)

Robinson attended Medomak Valley High School in Waldoboro, Maine. At 16 years of age—a self-taught musician who never took piano lessons—he became the organist at both the Broad Cove Community Church in Cushing and the Friendship United Methodist Church.{{cite news|url=http://knox.villagesoup.com/p/robinson-s-musical-journey/959793|title= Robinson's Musical Journey|author=Dagney C. Ernest |newspaper=Village Soup |date=February 13, 2013 |publisher=Courier Gazette-Camden Herald|access-date=July 10, 2013}} By his late teens, he was creating, performing and producing concerts and theatrical productions, including the musical Moody Blue for which he wrote both the music and lyrics.{{cite book |last=Genthner |first=Nancy |title= What's Cooking at Moody's Diner: 60 Years of Recipes and Reminiscences|date= January 1, 2003|publisher= Down East Books|isbn= 0892726318|page=77}} According to a 2013 interview, Robinson studied composition and piano performance at the Boston Conservatory of Music with composers John Adams and Larry Thomas Bell, as well as film scoring with John Williams at the Berklee School of Music;{{cite web | last= Genthner | first= Cathy | url= http://www.meseniors.com/index.php/read-digital-edition | title= A Music Man for All Generations | publisher= Maine Seniors Magazine (digital edition) | date= December 2013 | access-date= February 22, 2014 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20180801064530/http://www.meseniors.com/index.php/read-digital-edition | archive-date= August 1, 2018 | url-status= dead }} but chose not to graduate with a degree. Instead, he "went out and lived the life of music,"{{cite web |url=http://bangordailynews.com/2017/04/30/living/music-concerts-live-bands/maine-composer-uses-music-as-our-reply-to-violence/ |title=Maine composer uses music as 'our reply to violence' |last=adams |first=abigail |date=April 30, 2017 |publisher=Bangor Daily News |access-date=July 20, 2017 }} as he said in a 2017 interview. In 2001, he became organist and choirmaster for "Music at Immanuel" at the Immanuel Baptist Church in Portland, Maine.

In 2009, Robinson retired from public performing due to illness. During which time Robinson wrote the memoir, Does God Sing – A Musical Journey. It reached No. 5 on the Barnes & Noble best-sellers non-fiction paperback list for March 2013.{{cite web |url= http://www.seacoastonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130407/ENTERTAIN/304070316/-1/NEWSMAP |title=Best-sellers from Barnes & Noble| publisher=seacoastonline.com | date= April 7, 2013 | access-date=February 22, 2014}}

Robinson lives on the coast of Maine with his wife and son.

Robinson has conducted works for the concert and theatrical stage, including Leonard Bernstein's Candide – The Concert Version.{{cite news |last=Cross |first=Kernan |date=July 18, 1996 |title=Worldly 'Candide' Arrives On Stage (Arts & Entertainment section) |issue=Your Weekend Plus |newspaper=Lincoln County News |location=Damariscotta, Maine}} In 1997, Robinson conducted Treemonisha: The Concert Version by ragtime composer Scott Joplin at the Rockport Opera House in Rockport, Maine, with a new libretto by Judith Kurtz Bogdanove.{{cite news |last=Martin |first=Lucy |date=November 8, 1997 |title=Making a Joyful Noise with Joplin (Entertainment section) |newspaper=Lincoln County News |location=Damariscotta, Maine }}

In 2001, he orchestrated, arranged, and conducted the musical Islands,{{cite news |last=Ernest |first=Dagney C. |date=May 24, 2001 |title=Singing the Songs of North Haven (Arts & Entertainment section)|issue=Your Weekend Plus |pages=C3 |newspaper=Courier-Gazette |location=Camden, Maine }} which was produced on Broadway at the New Victory Theater{{cite news |last=Shields |first=Lisa |url=http://www.workingwaterfrontarchives.org/2001/11/01/islands-takes-manhattan-portland-by-storm/|title='Islands' Takes Manhattan, Portland By Storm|date=November 1, 2001 |publisher=The Island Institute |newspaper=The Working Waterfront |location=Rockland, Maine |access-date=November 11, 2015 }} by John Wulp, with music and lyrics by Cidny Bullens.{{cite news |last=Gussow |first=Mel |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/27/theater/arts-in-america-maine-brings-manhattan-some-lessons-of-island-life.html|title=Maine Brings Manhattan Some Lessons Of Island Life|date=September 9, 2001 |newspaper=New York Times |location=New York, NY |access-date=July 16, 2013 }}

Robinson conducted the world premiere performance of his Black Nativity – In Concert: A Gospel Celebration in 2001 at the Immanuel Baptist Church.{{cite news|last=DeWan |first=Becca |date=December 3, 2004 |title=Back in Black (Entertainment section) |newspaper=Portland Phoenix |location=Portland, Maine |url=http://www.portlandphoenix.com/music/other_stories/documents/04301692.asp |access-date=December 5, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150610215058/http://www.portlandphoenix.com/music/other_stories/documents/04301692.asp |archive-date=June 10, 2015 }} The concert version recreated the original performance of Langston Hughes's Gospel Song-Play Black Nativity{{cite web |url=http://www.pegmedia.org/index.php?q=msvr/showall&page=2 |title=A Black Nativity|publisher=PegMedia.org |access-date=July 16, 2013 }} that opened in 1961 at the 41st Street Theatre in New York City. In 2004, the documentary film Black Nativity – In Concert: A Gospel Celebration was made about the world premiere performance, production, and creation under the direction of Robinson with the original cast.{{cite web|last=Lemmons |first=Kasi |url=http://thestreetgypsies.com/black-nativity-trailer-drops/ |title=HEADS UP: Kasi Lemmons 'Black Nativity' Trailer Drops (Langston Hughes' Remake) |publisher=The Street Gypsies.com |date=July 6, 2013 |access-date=February 22, 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140227042646/http://thestreetgypsies.com/black-nativity-trailer-drops/ |archive-date=February 27, 2014 }} In December 2013, Robinson collaborated with Dr. Anthony Antolini and the Bowdoin College Chorus and Down East Singers to mount a revised version of his 2004 creation.{{cite web | last= V e r d i n o-Sullwold | first= C a r l a M a r i a |url= http://www.broadwayworld.com/maine/article/BWW-Reviews-Langston-Hughes-BLACK-NATIVITY-Lights-Up-Brunswick-Christmas-20131209#.Uwn0pFOzLIc | title= BWW Reviews: Langston Hughes' BLACK NATIVITY Lights Up Brunswick Christmas | publisher=Broadway World.com | date= December 8, 2013 | access-date=February 22, 2014}}

Robinson composed An American Requiem, which had its New England Premiere under the direction of Dr. Robert Russell and the USM Chorale.{{cite web |url= http://eventful.com/portland_me/events/dr-robert-russell-and-usm-chorale-concert-/E0-001-002022208-9| title= Dr Robert Russell and the USM Chorale – In Concert| publisher=Eventful.com | date= November 7, 2006 | access-date=February 22, 2014}} He also wrote Driving Old Memories (The Rockland Maine Song) with his father Ervin Robinson.{{cite web |url= http://knox.villagesoup.com/p/332753?source=shareEmail | title= Rockland native's affection for hometown goes global in song | publisher=The Camden Herald / Village Soup | date= June 17, 2010 | access-date=February 22, 2014}}{{cite web | url= http://bangordailynews.com/community/the-rockland-maine-song-driving-old-memories-is-a-big-hit/ | title= The Rockland, Maine Song – "Driving Old Memories" – is a BIG HIT! | publisher= Bangor Daily News | date= May 19, 2010 | access-date= February 22, 2014 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140301142753/http://bangordailynews.com/community/the-rockland-maine-song-driving-old-memories-is-a-big-hit/ | archive-date= March 1, 2014 | url-status= dead }} On June 2, 2021, the Mayor of Rockland, Maine presented a key to the city and proclaimed June 2021 "Driving Old Memories" month.[https://www.penbaypilot.com/article/rockland-man-receives-key-city-annual-june-recognition-his-musical-composition/147764 “Rockland man receives key to City, annual June recognition for his musical composition”. Sarah Thompson. June 2, 2021. Penbay Pilot.],[https://knox.villagesoup.com/2021/06/02/mayor-declares-june-as-driving-old-memories-month-1892131/ “Mayor declares June as "Driving Old Memories" month” Stephen Betts. June 2, 2021. Courier-Gazette.]

In 2012 he wrote the music for the independent documentary In the Shadows of Grey Gardens In an article entitled "Robinson and Ragtime", David Welker called him "one of today’s leading proponents of early jazz and ragtime music". He is perhaps best known for his composition "The New England Ragtime Suite" for piano.{{cite web| url=http://www.dramaticpublishing.com/AuthorBio.php?titlelink=11083| title=Aaron Robinson| publisher=Dramatic Publishing| access-date=February 22, 2014| archive-url=https://archive.today/20130701165841/http://www.dramaticpublishing.com/AuthorBio.php?titlelink=11083| archive-date=July 1, 2013| url-status=dead| df=mdy-all}}{{Cite web |last=Swearingen |first=Corte |date=2020-06-01 |title=Aaron Robinson - Solo Piano Music |url=https://www.americanpianomusic.com/post/aaron-robinson |access-date=2024-06-16 |website=American Piano Music |language=en}}

In 2014, the opening of Maine Public Broadcasting's "Maine Arts!" Series received an Emmy Award at the 36th annual New England Emmy Awards for which Robinson contributed the series’ theme music and was nominated for a separate Emmy Award.{{cite web|url=http://www.theforecaster.net/news/print/2013/07/16/people-and-business/166890 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140223161716/http://www.theforecaster.net/news/print/2013/07/16/people-and-business/166890 |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 23, 2014 |title=People and Business: recognition |publisher=The Forecaster |date=July 16, 2013 |access-date=February 22, 2014 }} Robinson composed the Maine-based musical, The Legend of Jim Cullen – A Dramatic Musical, which received its world premiere at the Heartwood Regional Theater Company in the summer of 2014.{{cite web |url= http://www.celebrender.com/trend/The-Legend-Of-Jim-Cullen |title= The Legend of Jim Cullen |publisher= Celebrender |date= May 31, 2014 |access-date= August 25, 2014 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20140826161152/http://www.celebrender.com/trend/The-Legend-Of-Jim-Cullen |archive-date= August 26, 2014 |url-status= dead }}

In May 2017, Robinson premiered two choral works in Studzinski Hall at Bowdoin College: "Requiem For a New World" and "This Will Be Our Reply To Violence" with words by Leonard Bernstein.{{cite web |url=http://www.pressherald.com/2017/04/23/numb-with-sorrow-a-maine-composer-channels-a-musical-hero/ | title= Numb With Sorrow: A Maine Composer Channels A Musical Hero| publisher=Portland Press Herald | date=April 23, 2017 | access-date=July 20, 2017}} With a famous line taken from an address Bernstein gave a few days after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, according to a 2017 interview, it was the first time the Bernstein Estate had ever granted a composer the rights to set the words to music. It was performed later that year by the Vox Nova Chamber Choir. Robinson received acclaim for his compositions from Maine's Senators Angus King and Susan Collins, who remarked: "With the scourge of violence unabated in our times, we all must increase our devotion to the highest ideals of humanity. Through your remarkable career as a composer, performer, and author, you are helping to elevate our nation as you bring distinction to our great state of Maine.”

Robinson collaborated with children's book author and illustrator Ashley Bryan in 2018 on an African-American Requiem titled "A Tender Bridge". The work celebrates Bryan's life and career based on his writings; and uses "jazz, ragtime, Negro spirituals, Southern hymns and other musical idioms, along with a full choir, gospel choir, children’s choir, orchestra jazz ensemble and multiple narrators."{{cite news|url=https://www.pressherald.com/2018/08/12/with-a-new-exhibition-at-95-ashley-bryan-continues-to-just-do-my-work/|title=Ashley Bryan, 95, 'always honored' to have a new show|last=Keyes|first=Bob|date=August 12, 2018|newspaper=Portland Press Herald|access-date=February 8, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://meartsed.wordpress.com/2018/10/22/a-tender-bridge/|title=A Tender Bridge|last=Nestor|first=Argy|date=October 22, 2018|publisher=Maine Arts Ed|access-date=February 8, 2019}}

In 2019, Robinson founded and became Artistic Director for the "Glenn Jenks Ragtime Revue" in Camden, Maine; a 501(c)3 non-profit[https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/921635300 Glenn Jenks Ragtime Revue. Designated as a 501(c)3. June 1, 2023] organization that celebrates the life and career of ragtime composer Glenn Jenks.[https://www.mainepublic.org/show/maine-calling/2022-10-20/an-exploration-of-ragtime-including-maine-musician-glenn-jenks An exploration of ragtime, including Maine musician Glenn Jenks. Jennifer Rooks. MPBN Radio Maine Calling. October 20, 2022.] The Ragtime Revue presents annual concerts in Revue-style settings, offering music, humor and dance centered around ragtime and early jazz with musicians from around the world.[https://syncopatedtimes.com/the-2nd-annual-glenn-jenks-ragtime-revue-2022/ The Syncopated Times. The 2nd Annual Glenn Jenks Ragtime Revue, 2022. Ed Berlin. January 30, 2023.][https://knox.villagesoup.com/arts_culture/glenn-jenks-ragtime-revue-returns-oct-23/article_4ac27508-d3b1-5698-a7f3-97f25731122c.html The Courier Gazette. Knox Village Soup. Glenn Jenks Ragtime Revue returns Oct. 23. October 17, 2022. Christine Dunkle.] The proceeds benefit the "Glenn Jenks Future in Music Prize"; a scholarship promoting music through performance, education and scholarships to aspiring musicians.[https://www.penbaypilot.com/article/bay-chamber-establishes-prize-honoring-glenn-jenks/146567 Bay Chamber establishes prize honoring Glenn Jenks. Pen Bay Pilot. May 5, 2021. Bay Chambers.]

As a music historian, Robinson has written for several publications and appeared on radio and television, including Portland Monthly Magazine,{{cite magazine |last=Robinson |first=Aaron |date=September 1, 2020 |title=Centuries of Sound |url=https://www.portlandmonthly.com/portmag/september-2020/ |magazine=Portland Monthly |location=Portland, Maine |publisher= |access-date=February 4, 2025}}, The Syncopated Times,{{cite magazine |last=Robinson |first=Aaron |date=May 29, 2024 |title=Corte Swearingen Introduces a Ragtime Master to a New Generation |url=https://syncopatedtimes.com/corte-swearingen-introduces-a-ragtime-master-to-a-new-generation/ |magazine=The Syncopated Times |location= |publisher= |access-date=February 4, 2025}} NPR and Maine Public Radio,[https://www.mainepublic.org/show/maine-calling/2020-08-07/the-music-of-maine-the-work-of-musicians-through-the-centuries-in-maine?fbclid=IwAR1SX4v3Kv_N89ZUUp0IYNMNIw7ucLkQw3tMxiII8WiYAlgZozC7PeDpE4M Maine Calling. Maine Public Radio. The Music of Maine: The Work of Musicans Through The Centuries In Maine. August 7, 2020. Jennifer Rooks, host.][https://www.mainepublic.org/show/maine-calling/2022-10-20/an-exploration-of-ragtime-including-maine-musician-glenn-jenks Maine Public Maine Calling. Jonathan P. Smith. An exploration of ragtime, including Maine musician Glenn Jenks. October 20, 2022.] and WCSH television.[https://www.newscentermaine.com/article/news/local/207/aaron-robinsons-tribute-to-max-morath/97-22223044 WCSH NewsCenter Maine "207". Aaron Robinson's tribute to Max Morath. Krister B. Rollins. December 7, 2015.]

• Robinson, Aaron (2013). Does God Sing?: A Musical Journey, Tate Publishing. 182 pages. {{ISBN|978-1621474630}}
• Langston, Hughes (1961) Aaron Robinson (2004). Black Nativity, Dramatic Publishing. 34 pages. {{ISBN|0871291924}}

{{reflist|2}}

• {{IMDb name|4502683|Aaron Robinson}}
• [http://mainepublic.org/post/aaron-robinson-does-god-sing-musican-journey-rebroadcast Maine Public Broadcasting Network "Aaron Robinson – "Does God Sing – A Musical Journey" (audio re-broadcast)]
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20140611073033/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-102698385.html “Voices of 'pure joy'; 'Black Nativity' boasts spiritual songs and poetry of Langston Hughes”]
• [http://knox.villagesoup.com/mobile/BlackBerry/story/1088895 The Camden Herald “A ’Nativity’ with Soul”]
• [http://www.boothbayregister.com/article/alna-author-tells-stories-musics-power/6208 Boothbay Register “Alna author tells stories of music’s power”]
• [https://archive.today/20140223161712/http://www.wcsh6.com/life/programming/local/207/article/235122/50/Composer-and-author-Aaron-Robinson WCSH 6 “Composer and Author Aaron Robinson”]

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Category:1970 births

Category:American male classical composers

Category:American classical composers

Category:Living people

Category:Ragtime composers

Category:People from Camden, Maine

Category:Musicians from Maine

Category:Boston Conservatory at Berklee alumni

Category:Berklee College of Music alumni