Music Meets Drama

 Recently Gena Branscombe’s grandson, Roger, sent me a copy of a poem he had found in the family files. Over many years the crumpled piece of paper held the words to a  poem titled, “Farewell to THE OLD TIMER”    To the right of the title is typed, “American Folksy Song of 1942 (With apologies to all concerned.”)   With great humor the poem writers, who were Branscombe Choral members, describe in great detail the demise of Miss Branscombe’s “rack.”  Gena raised her wand to beat the time and the rack went down!  The “rack” is obviously her conductor’s stand that with much assistance could not be revived.  The Choral members found the “dough” to gift their beloved conductor a new rack hoping she doesn’t want the old one back!  What wonderful humor and one does wonder what the “American Folksy Song of 1942” was.   This poem/song must have been performed by Choral members at their annual Spring luncheon.   In 1942 with World...

  Work on doctoral dissertations is arduous with specific guidelines for research and writing form.   For over 3 years Regan Russell researched Gena Branscombe’s life through publications from over 100 years ago and interviews.   She sought out scores of 150 arts songs many of which were out-of-print, some not available because Miss Branscombe lost or destroyed them and the original manuscripts of some were in libraries where copies had to be made.   Persistence….that describes Regan and her dedication to Gena Branscombe’s songs!   On November 17, 2022 at Boston University, Regan presented her doctoral dissertation “Love in a Life: The Art Songs of Gena Branscombe.”   Her presentation included a lecture on Branscombe’s life, song development and a performance of five songs beautifully sung by baritone Gray Leiper with Regan accompanying him.   Regan’s work was scholarly, passionate about the subject matter and her musicianship exceptional.  ...

The Gena Branscombe Project has announced applications for their 2023 scholarships are now open.  They are awarding a $400 scholarship to an up-and-coming student composer, arts administrator and conductor. The deadline for applications is April 30th.. Honoring Miss Branscombe's belief in education and mentorship we offer these scholarships in her name.    Share this information with your students and colleagues www.thegenabranscombeproject.com #BringingBackBranscombe

  Dear Mr. Austin: Am leaving for New York in the morning – after a very wonderful visit.   Kindness of every sort has been showered upon me – officially and personally.   Am enclosing two notices which I’d like back – please later.   All the papers were good to me – and the consensus of opinion seems to be that I really can conduct ! (January 18, 1930 Gena Branscombe letter to her publisher, Mr. Austin, at Arthur P. Schmidt Co. in Boston- held at the Library of Congress)   On January 8, 1930 a woman conductor, Gena Branscombe, led The Women’s Symphony Orchestra of Chicago in a performance of her music, “The Dancer of Fjaard, ‘On Over the Water’ from “Pilgrims of Destiny,” and the ‘Symphonic Suite for Orchestra’ from her “Quebec Suite .”   From this concert she noted the importance of kindness, positive press coverage and the recognition that “…I really can conduct .” The Chicago women’s orchestra was found in 1925. Their mission was to premier...

It has been an honor and wonderful experience to work with the creator and producer, Matt Spangler,  of the podcast "The Ladies Speak."  This past November outside Boston we recorded the new episode about Gena Branscombe.   Miss Branscombe's passion filled life of music, women composers, American music and especially education is highlighted in this episode.  We, The Gena Branscombe Project, carry on the example she set for us.  https://www.the-ladies-speak.com/episodes #BringingBackBranscombe

  In today’s world it is difficult to observe the number of pianos that are left on the curb for pick-up that will then be destroyed.  Yes, there is a video online of a large furniture hauler hoisting a spinet piano into the back of a garbage truck which then crushes the instrument into pieces.  There are also countless pianos listed on E-bay.  From concert and baby grands, to spinets, uprights, old and new, electronic and more, they are for sale or offered for free if you come get them.  Are pianos becoming a musical instrument of the past? How painful it is to watch that beautiful piano be destroyed.  Maybe that piano had been in a family for a generation or two.  Maybe that piano was purchased by parents who saved for years to buy it for their children hoping they would learn to play.  Maybe they practiced every day, maybe not willingly,  but they practiced under the watchful eye of their parents.  Maybe those children would love ma...

  At age 92 Gena Branscombe received what would be her final commission.   Frederick Swann, organist of the Riverside Church in New York City, requested she compose an “Introit” and “Prayer Response” for a morning church service to be held on Mother’s Day in May 1973.     Not to be deterred by her failing eyesight, Gena began writing her own poems then set them to music she quietly held within herself.   Daughter Gena Phenix provided the staff paper and pencils as well as offering to help, but, Gena’s intention was these final pieces would be entirely her own.   By the end of March 1973, the “Introit” was complete followed in April by the “Prayer Response.”   She added a concluding “Amen” to finalize the Mother’s Day Service.     On Sunday, May 13, 1973 accompanied to Riverside Church by daughter Gena and her husband Philip, Gena Branscombe listened to the choir sing her “Introit,” ”Prayer Response” and the closing “Amen.”   Her fina...