Imani Winds performs Valerie Coleman's "Umoja"

[@steveparsons6324]

It appears I’m 12 years late to the party, but non the less… this is beautiful and wonderful music.

[@ToriLoverly]

Came here from Jennifer Scott's channel, anyone else? This is truly beautiful 🥰❤️

[@Bookinitwnc]

Me too. Does it sort of sound like "A Pirate's Life for Me?" Funny what my brain thought of. Beautiful.

[@autumnhomer9786]

🎀Yes, me too! I’ve just checked out a video she put out today and she mentioned this lady.🎀

[@melaniedaniels228]

Yes, the Daily Connoisseur brought me here as well! I love this so much!

[@missbissy88]

Yes me too

[@brayrussell3863]

It's so encouraging to see classical composers and musicians of color! You guys are changing music for the better! :D

[@newfavs]

Exquisite! ...a soft breeze in a field on a warm summer day, birds singing and swooping right before the sun sets.

[@Johnnie14able]

Growing up in rural North Carolina, it's rare to see people of color be successful in classical forms of music. Anyone from this area can attest to that. It's very refreshing to see a group like this performing with such beautiful sound, and it gives me hope that one day we will have more diversity in our NC ensembles.

[@357CLOUDY]

@DeGrate1896 Another problem is that many people don't feel this is their music. I hope things are better. I am from Louisville, I remember being chased home with my violin for liking "White people" music". As a result we lost a generation. Someday, we will be just Americans. I won't live to see it. Be well.

[@starlingcity]

@@357CLOUDY I hope that someday is soon.

[@psforrest1]

@@357CLOUDY This makes me very sad to know.

[@Kiarinadia]

@@357CLOUDY Good to correct the comment of Johnnie Arp. The American world is awaiting for the people of color to grab classical music as their own - it belong to the entire world and other far countries like Japan don't linger in that. Instead of holding on uselessly to the status quo of "victim of racism".

[@irasaposnik6511]

Because it stinks

[@job1968]

Brought here by the Chic Assignment, but staying because this is truly beautiful.

[@ingekatrinaatkinson7061]

Was brought here from the Daily Connoisseur and so glad I was. Such a beautiful piece

[@katrinao8902]

I’m here from the Daily Connoisseur’s channel for our chic assignment and I can’t get over how beautiful this piece is. It’s so cheerful and brings to mind the joy of spring which is much needed right now in the thick of winter. Thank you ❤️

[@greenwillow5404]

Same!!:)

[@catherinenunan3584]

It is definitely making me smile, and tap my toes.

[@patdennis2586]

Here from The Daily Connoisseur. What a treat!!!

[@Lifeinthe10.40Window]

I'm here for the chic assignment from The Daily Connoisseur. This is lovely! I thoroughly enjoyed it. ❤️

[@missbissy88]

Same here! Such a beautiful piece of music!

[@nikkien7259]

Lovely! Here from the Chic Assignment!

[@gloriana7777]

Same here😊

[@leathercase]

This is literally invigorating me; it's giving me LIFE...wow. As a flutist looking to form my own quintet here in Atlanta (as a NYC transplant), you better believe I'm getting this piece. And all of Ms. Coleman's music. Done.

[@mamawukoi3746]

A search for Kwanzaa music brought me here. According to the program note on the composition from the UMKC website... "Optional alto saxophone part for horn, optional tenor saxophone or baritone saxophone part for bassoon. Umoja is the Swahili word for "unity" and is the first day in seven in the African-American celebration of Kwanzaa. The original composition calls for unity through the tradition of call and response and was first meant to be a simple family sing-along song for Kwanzaa. As it was added to the wind quintet repertoire of Imani Winds, a woodwind quintet that was created and founded by Coleman, and it soon became a signature piece of the ensemble. The melody is mainly a French horn solo with supporting rhythms from the upper winds and a constant motor played by the bassoon. Even though the meter is in 3/4 time, the melody and percussive upper wind accompaniment is mostly phrased in 6/8 when there is syncopation. Most importantly, the entire feel should be in 1."

[@Lizjulharp2]

Reminds me of Africa. It's very beautiful.

[@dr.g2628]

I just discovered the Imani Winds and Valerie Coleman. What a tremendous joy! I will reach out to Ms. Coleman to see if I get this organization to play one of my pieces. Thanks.

[@topologyrob]

Wow, this is gorgeous music - I'm falling in love with Coleman's oeuvre - so richly coloured, invigorating, nuanced, satisfying in all ways. What a composer. Thanks for the beautiful detail in the performance too - just fab and so enjoyable and ecstatic.

[@garyreynolds3086]

Brought here by Rhiannon Giddens post on Facebook about the group, stayed because it's beautiful!

[@justynafletcher864]

This reminds me of birds singing in the spring time. When everything is waking up again and the birds are trilling happily in the trees. Gorgeous!

[@kathyl2312]

Yes, that is exactly what I see in my mind when I listen to this piece! Thank you for putting it into words. ❤

[@jeanninewarner9394]

So joyful! I'm also here at the lovely recommendation of The Daily Connoisseur. Just the dose of cheer needed in the middle of a gray, snowy, frigid Wisconsin winter. :)

[@yobrangutez1470]

As person who speak swahili, this peaces made me feel the togetherness that Jazz brings

[@elisabethkerp5067]

Umoja = Unity, Imani = faith, belief

[@liamwebb8918]

This is the face of modern classical music we need. All the power to you!!

[@harryblevins7853]

I heard this today on WUOT radio, and I enjoyed the interesting work so much. I was not familiar with the Imani Quartet, but I am going to explore more of their music.

[@cristinehawatmeh8076]

This is the most uplifting and refreshing sound and video in a long time! Bravo!!!! I didn't even know classic composers still existed and then presented by a black woman is just so inspiring. Valerie!! You inspire me tremendously! God Bless you and all your family!

[@kozmo617]

Heard this on the radio and almost crashed my car it was so good.

[@GabrielMeister]

Same thing happened to me this morning. I heard this song on WQXR and, well, I wasn't driving, I was getting ready to leave the apartment--and I nearly fell over, it was so beautiful. Absolutely transporting. Ethereal and grounded, Unremittingly positive. Damn!!!!

[@kozmo617]

@@GabrielMeister Im so glad someone is still finding this! I still remember when I heard it for the first time, 4+ years later.

[@kalebnotto1596]

I also almost crashed my car and I am not even driving; it's just that good.

[@joselynboatwright5192]

This is so beautiful and soft, they are so gifted and the music is such a beautiful art.

[@chrisode]

Simply put: thank you.

[@gamedude-g3w]

I've watched this countless, countless times. A magical mix between Vivaldi and Copland that the world should care more about. It's rare talent. Recognizing youtube as an inadequate forum for basically anything, I'd like to think it will be a piece that lasts the test of time, surviving mediums, listened to hundreds of years into the future as it deserves.

[@blanchewilliams3581]

As a new flutist and aspiring composer Valerie Coleman is an inspiration! As an African-American who celebrates Kwanzaa, Umoja, is an answer to a prayer. I'm so proud and happy to hear this collective...

[@steveparsons6324]

Delightful music! I wish I could hit the like more than once.

[@TheDailyConnoisseur]

Who is here for The Chic Assignment? 🗝

[@anniehosfeld59]

beautiful. lively, joyful. like wind blowing on a beautiful spring day!

[@annamuja1831]

Me, such a beautiful music. Thank you Jennifer.

[@valchica7]

Love it 💃

[@katiecostello71]

Beautiful! Such a spark of joy kindled in my day!

[@tinaspencer3509]

Beautiful 😍 thank you for suggesting this xx

[@tomlettman]

A short but very satisfying composition.

[@Sewlimitless]

This is wonderful. I couldn't help but smile while watching!

[@neskidmore]

There are not enough positive words in the world. Brilliant piece, brilliantly played. This feeds my soul. 🌟

[@yolanda.martinez]

This needs to be the official Kwanzaa song. 💜

[@lifeofandrewlynn9448]

Super cool piece!

[@michaelhouser5743]

AMAZING! Truly amazing!!!! Such outstanding musicianship! IMANI WINDS is second-to-none! This work makes every day a sunny, hopeful day! THANKS! Valerie Coleman has a number of other incredible compositions that demonstrate insight and imagination.

[@jessabrock9535]

This is so beautiful!! I felt so many wonderful things listening to this. Thank you!!!

[@jacobjohannes7123]

My daughter and I loved the Imani Winds performance! Thanks for these suggestions.

[@nathanhol42001]

Wonderful. I'm playing this in my youth orchestra's Honors Wind Quintet

[@michaelbielecki2689]

I'm in love with this work!

[@ewkelch]

Wow, just wow. Loved it! It was all its own beautiful piece, and yet with nods to other wonderful music. This is the first I've heard Valerie Coleman or Imani Winds ... off to go look for more.

[@joannekowalczyk57]

Absolutely lovely. Makes me very happy!

[@AMKNLYFF]

Awesome sounds...

[@kellieliacopoulos8005]

Hi! You are all SO talented, beautiful and inspiring!! Thank you for such a lovely performance!! :)

[@ranhill62]

It's one thing to have the ability to preform a piece, but to ENJOY your fellow musicians while playing, that takes the music to anothe level. You can tell the enjoy each other as musicians.

[@wendyhouses]

This brings my heart such joy!

[@maronkhoury_flutist]

I could listen to this forever🙌🫶🙏

[@scriccioloisland]

So beautiful

[@rickeygeetv6197]

I remember watching you all perform at the University of Central Arkansas years ago! You are still as good as I remember!

[@dologuzy9759]

Delightful performance!!!!!👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@DY-cq3qd]

God 6 years since my comment below... I you had a box of best Thornton's chocs would you put then in a corner and never get them out!!!! So play this .... its WONDERFUL.

[@nicole.rudder]

pure joy in sound

[@maryelizabethengleman9763]

This is so beautiful. What an uplifting and cheerful way to start a morning. Might have to add this to my daily routine. And the video just adds to it - you can feel their joy in music and thrill at the wonderful sound they're creating. Bravo!

[@reenaesmailcomposer]

This is such a great piece! So joyful!

[@why_music]

This is BEAUTIFUL! Thank you

[@maryannemorgenegg8309]

Wonderful. thank you!

[@LesReadBooks]

Spectacular!

[@eunicen5427]

THIS IS ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!!! So playful and hopeful and elegant and BEAUTIFUL! I LOVE THAT IT WAS PERFORMED BY BLACK WOMEN AND A BLACK MEN YES!!!! I FEEL SO GOOD AND AFFIRMED SEEING REPRESENTATION IN CLASSICAL MUSIC!!!!

[@leojbramble]

Magnificent composition and performance!

[@rayran2]

BlessingsI Just ethereal.

[@kylee2927]

Delightful - thank you

[@Russelldoll]

What a wonderful piece of music! So beautifully played. thank you

[@viennaacademyofmusicandart3325]

So inspiring to me!

[@InterCityProductions]

They are a joy to listen to! I love the way they play as an ensemble, truly loving the music!

[@DY-cq3qd]

This is just wonderful, I've put it with my favourite wind pieces - Ligeti 6 bagatelles, Nielsen's Quintet, Suites 1&2 Strav, etc.

[@souloftheage]

That ROCKED!!!!

[@martybontumasi5058]

Beautiful!!

[@geraldwatkins3543]

Just listen to this piece on classical radio in Pittsburgh. I had to look it up and listen to it again. Thank you so much. This touched my soul and I will be sure to spread it to others.

[@terrystrathman6140]

Just heard this on KDFC. So beautiful!

[@BrendenJohnFilms]

Wow, that was a beautiful performance. Good job!

[@luckymonkeyrichmonkey]

BEAUTIFUL. Thank you so much.

[@chichinwanoku]

Just wonderful, thank you 🙏🏽🤎✊🏽

[@stoyanmartinov]

Wonderful!!! Both composition and performance! You have got a new fan right here!

[@valeriedouglas4400]

This was beautiful! It gave me chills. Bravo!

[@daveenyart]

Joyous and sublime.

[@donfrancisco6546]

Very inspiring and delightful to hear and see!!!! Thank you Imani :-)

[@henriletroubadour]

I dream of such performers for my music. Well done !

[@matthewbyrum939]

Outstanding!

[@AllisonSudlow]

I just saw your concert for youth and you guys rocked it! I love your music!

[@thaddavis105]

Quite lovely. 'nuf said.

[@Jamison20]

Recommended by Jennifer Scott, who has the Daily Connoisseur channel, to listen to Valerie Coleman. Absolutely wonderful!

[@KeithOtisEdwards]

Pleasant piece and cleanly played. I'll be seeing you guys on February 7 in Detroit.

[@tuercacaso]

What a fabulous piece, and such a performance. Love you guys, come back to Pittsburgh one of these days!

[@frenchfriedfrites]

they move around so much when they play!

[@lissetsanchez5316]

Lovely ~

[@filmfemme4111]

Ebullient! That was the first word that popped into my head. Who else is here courtesy of The Daily Connoisseur? 😊

[@steelcityterps]

Wow this is so beautiful- Monica I haven’t seen since CAPA.

[@ColinthePulkrabek]

love it great work all!

[@asoapboxopera]

This is SO BEAUTIFUL! Thank you!!!

[@panoramajazzband193]

Man, I Lo0ooO0oove this!

[@PanoramaJazzBand]

Not sure who @panoramajazzband193 is (I don't think it's us) but I also love this. Always love Wind Quintet.

[@raypizzi]

........ Beautiful Music by World-Class Musicians.... BRAVISSIMO !!!

[@wendystebbins5587]

This is going to be a SUMMER STOPPER ! Great.

[@wavechamber]

you can tell the composer has a pure and beautiful soul

[@aguilarstringbeans]

Beautiful!

[@brucebabcockcomposer]

Bravo! Well done.

[@CountanceD]

That was so awesome!! I’m just learning this piece now. I recently joined a flute group, so we’re playing the quartet version of this tune. You all sounded so so good!!

[@leilennalife2681]

Hi this is the kid that went to the show at the lead center I love your music🤗

[@carusoclarinet]

Orchestrate this asap!

[@Nelsjourney]

I love the expressions in your faces because you can hear, see, feel that you enjoy what you are playing. The whole piece is beautiful and playing it from memory with such precision is fabulous. Look forward to hearing the next selection.

[@pholbrook2277]

Was brought here by my daughter who is a classically trained Flutist.