Harry Lawrence Freeman (October 9, 1869 – March 24, 1954) was an American neoromantic opera composer,[1] conductor, impresario and teacher. He was the first African-American to write an opera (Epthalia, 1891) that was successfully produced. Freeman founded the Freeman School of Music and the Freeman School of Grand Opera, as well as several short-lived opera companies which gave first performances of his own compositions.[2] During his life, he was known as "the black Wagner."[3]
- ^ Southern 2001.
- ^ Kirk, p. 187
- ^ Kirk, p. 186