Program Note

Commissioned by Valentina Peleggi, Music Director & Conductor of the Richmond Symphony, “Born In the Iron Grip” celebrates Arthur Ashe in the 50 thanniversary of his Wimbledon Championship win in the Men’s Singles in 1975.” This 13 minute work transports the listener to the courts of the Wimbledon Championship after an introductory section bringing Arthur into view. The title comes from a quote from his autobiography Days of Grace. The quote goes, “I am an African American, one born in the iron grip of legal segregation...my inner most stirrings inevitably have to do [with] trying to overcome racism and other forms of social justice, with the search for dignity and power for blacks in a world so often hostile to us." This composition utilizes the hymn “Lift Every Voice and Sing” depicting how Ashe’s talent in the tennis profession became a “voice” for the African Americans of his generation and community.

Composer’s Note

“Born In the Iron Grip” was commissioned by the Richmond Symphony for their 2024-2025 season. I start the work with an immersive-sounding introduction to Arthur characterized and represented by the Euphonium. We hear the

main theme and its motifs prominently as the theme passes through the solo trumpet, echoed by other members of the orchestra. After this introduction of Ashe and some of his characteristics, the piece moves forward to capture the

setting of the Wimbledon Championship win in the Men’s Singles in 1975, facing off against Jimmy Connors. We

hear excitement, groove, jubilee until interjections representing the common obstacles that are racism and injustice but that does not shake Arthur. The match continues from the audience perspective until it rapidly switches to

Arthur’s. A stark contrast, focusing on only the ball and his mind, attempting to outsmart and tire his opponent. It is in this moment the piece begins its final section title “Champion” where we witness Arthur triumphantly coming out on top, with references to “Lift Every Voice and Sing” making the connection of how his voice was his talent, and by

using that talent against injustice and inspired many futures such as Serena Williams to become more ‘voices’ for the black community.