JUDICANTI RESPONSURA: /JUNE 13, 2026 at 12:00 noon at the Edendale Library Up Close Concerts

 

Edendale Up Close presents Judicanti Responsura, Saturday June 13, 2026 at 12:00 noon in the Edendale Library community room

Join us Saturday June 13th at noon for our next Edendale Up Close performance – Judicanti Responsura, featuring William Roper on lip-reeds, percussionist Joseph Mitchell, and special guest cellist Erika Duke-Kirkpatrick. 

The ensemble will draw from its repertoire, developed over four decades, and present at least one premiere. Juneteenth is a uniquely American holiday. Judicanti Responsura means “answer the judge.” America has a lot to answer for. And the list grows.

The ensemble was formed in 1984 and is focused on music of our time, with a special emphasis on compositions that incorporate African American improvisational traditions. The ensemble's repertoire includes works by its members, commissioned works, jazz standards and contemporary classical compositions. Judicanti Responsura's members were raised in Los Angeles' African American neighborhoods and were politicized by the experience. Much of their music reflects that politicization in its inspiration, titles, content, wardrobe and performance venues.

The Edendale library address is 2011 Sunset Blvd., but enter from the Alvarado St. side through the library parking lot. Email eden@lapl.org for more information.

Program:

Dissipating Showers - trio  2026 by Joseph Mitchell (premiere)

Poem for Emmett Till - A Freedom Song  - solo violoncello 2000 by William Roper

Juneteenth - Thow ‘way dem chittlins and bring me some chops! - solo tuba 1997 by William Roper

Barracoon - Detention House - trio 2026 by William Roper (premiere)

Artist links: https://roperarts.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@cignusolar

https://roperarts.com/mitchell.html 

Erika Duke taught at the California Institute of the Arts from

1984-2025, holding the Larry Levine Chair in Contemporary Music. She was a

founding member of the LA-based new music ensemble. the California EAR Unit,

from 1981-2008. She has performed throughout the US, Europe, Japan, and 

comNew Zealand including the Tanglewood, Aspen, Ravinia, and Santa Fe Chamber

Music Festivals. Erika also served as principal cello and soloist with the Santa fe

Pro Musica (1992-98), and was a member of Bach's Circle, with whom she

performed at the Oregon Bach Festival, Sedona Chamber Music, and Chamber

Music Northwest. She was a featured performer at the Dartington Summer

Music Festival, The Ernst Bloch Festival, the Sospeso Chamber Series at

Carnegie Hall, and the Ojai Festival. Her former students are among the leading

specialists in contemporary music.

NEXT CONCERT in this series:

Saturday, AUGUST 15, 20216 at Noon-1:00 pm PT

The ARK SANO TRIO

piano, bass, drums

Ark Sano - piano

https://arksano.com