Coleridge-Taylor Tickets

The essentials

Quick Facts About Coleridge-Taylor

• Born in London on August 15, 1875; died September 1, 1912 in Croydon, England.
• Best known for the Song of Hiawatha cantatas (Hiawatha's Wedding Feast; The Death of Minnehaha; Hiawatha's Departure), Op. 30, premiered around 1898–1900.
• Toured the United States in 1904, 1906, and 1910; nicknamed by some American musicians as the 'African Mahler' for his impact and style.
• Major 2025 performances/recordings include: Chineke! Orchestra with Coleridge-Taylor works (Segerstrom Center, Apr 4, 2025); YCAT 40th Anniversary Gala at Wigmore Hall (Feb 12, 2025); London Mozart Players concert at Fairfield Halls, Croydon (Oct 19, 2025); NatPhil album release and concert at Strathmore (Sept 20, 2025).
• Key discography highlights in recordings by others include: Chineke! Coleridge-Taylor 2CD (Decca Classics, 2022); Hiawatha recordings (Decca, 1991 and 1998); Ballade Op. 4 and related works on Argo (1993) and Koch (1992). A NatPhil/Avie release (2025) foregrounds Toussaint L’Ouverture, Ballade Op. 4 and 24 Negro Melodies.
• Major historical achievements include widespread early popularity of Hiawatha, influence on choral/symphonic programming in the UK, and advocacy related to composers of African heritage; his legacy inspired later royalty-related rights developments in the music world (PRS origin context).