The Legacy of Florence B. Price
Florence Beatrice Price (1887–1953) was a trailblazer in American classical music, a distinguished composer, and a proud resident of the Dunbar Historic District in Little Rock, Arkansas. Born in Little Rock, Price was raised on Cross Street, where she developed her early passion for music, laying the foundation for a remarkable career that would transcend barriers and redefine the possibilities for African-American artists.
Early Years and Education
Florence Price’s musical journey began at an early age, with the encouragement of her talented and supportive family. She attended the New England Conservatory of Music, one of the nation’s most prestigious music schools, where she excelled in composition and performance, graduating with honors in 1906. Returning to Little Rock, she became a prominent educator, teaching at Shorter College, an HBCU in North Little Rock, and inspiring generations of students to pursue excellence in the arts.
National Acclaim and Groundbreaking Achievements
In 1927, Price relocated to Chicago to expand her musical opportunities during the Great Migration. It was there she composed her groundbreaking Symphony No. 1 in E Minor, which won the Wanamaker Prize in 1932. The symphony made history when it was performed by the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, making her the first African-American woman to have her work performed by a major orchestra.
Despite her growing national acclaim, Price maintained a deep connection to her roots. In 1934, the Philander Smith College Alumni Association sent her a heartfelt letter inviting her to return home to perform. She answered the call, playing a landmark concert at Dunbar Middle Magnet School (then Dunbar High School). This historic event, attended by both Black and white audiences, was a significant cultural moment in Little Rock’s history and honored her exceptional contributions to music. This deep connection is why the school’s auditorium now bears her name—the Florence B. Price Auditorium.
Rediscovery and Grammy-Winning Legacy
Florence B. Price’s legacy experienced a resurgence in 2008, when a treasure trove of her unpublished compositions and letters was discovered in her former summer home in Illinois. This discovery reignited interest in her music and cemented her place as a central figure in classical music history.
In 2022, Price’s Symphonies Nos. 1 and 3 made history once again, winning a Grammy Award after being performed by the Philadelphia Symphony Orchestra. These remarkable works triumphed over pieces by classical giants Mozartand Beethoven, further solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest composers in history. Her works, now preserved in the University of Arkansas’s Special Collections, continue to captivate and inspire audiences worldwide.
A Lasting Legacy
Florence B. Price’s life and work embody the rich cultural heritage of the Dunbar Historic District. As a composer, educator, and pioneer, her contributions transcend time, highlighting the extraordinary talent and perseverance that emerged from this historic community. Today, her music not only honors the legacy of the past but also inspires future generations to dream beyond boundaries.