Adolphus C. Hailstork

2001 Honoree

Dr. Adolphus Hailstork’s heavenly creations are truly music to our ears. As a world-renowned composer and well-respected college professor, the Rochester, New York native has gained a reputation as one of the greatest composers in the nation.

Dr. Hailstork’s love of music began as a child, when he studied the art. After 40 years as an active composer, the musical genius has delighted audiences around the country.

Hailstork has captured the attention of the masses by writing numerous works for chorus, solo voice, chamber ensembles, band and orchestra. Three of Dr. Hailstork’s largest and most frequently performed choral works are Songs of Isaiah (written for the Boys Choir of Harlem), the oratorio Done Made My Vow and the cantata I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes. These and other award-winning works have been performed by major orchestras, including those in Philadelphia, Chicago and New York.

Done Made My Vow was performed by the Long Island Philharmonic several years ago. Combining classical music, gospel, spiritual themes and the spoken word, the work evoked great emotion from the music director of the orchestra, who called it "a magnificent, moving piece." A member of the accompanying chorus said she lent her voice to the performance, because she "wanted to sing a work by an African-American composer still living."

Dr. Hailstork received a bachelor’s degree in music from Howard University; bachelor’s and master’s degrees in composition from the Manhattan School of Music in New York; and a doctorate in composition from Michigan State University.

As a professor of music and composer-in-residence at Norfolk State University in Virginia for more than 20 years, Dr. Hailstork made the art of music accessible to generations of students. The Virginia Beach resident recently joined the faculty of Old Dominion University in Norfolk as a professor of music.

Future musicians and composers could learn from Dr. Hailstork’s philosophy: "Have a dream, learn your craft, work hard. Step outside of the boxes of tradition and expectation."