About H. Leslie Adams
H. Leslie Adams (b. 1932) is the winner of the 2015 Cleveland Arts Prize Lifetime Achievement Award. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, he attended school in California, and served many years as a choral conductor, show musical director, and educator, before becoming a composer full time in 1979. His unique music touches a wide variety of musical tastes and preferences. His stage work BLAKE was featured on the VOX Showcase of New York City Opera, and on the National Opera Association programs. His art songs have been sung by leading artists worldwide, in many languages. His orchestral works have been performed by the Prague Radio Symphony, Iceland Symphony, Buffalo Philharmonic, Cleveland Orchestra, and Indianapolis Symphony, to name a few.
Recordings of Adams' music include "Love Rejoices: Songs of H. Leslie Adams" first released in January 2001, featuring the internationally-known tenor, Darryl Taylor. It was chosen as one of the ten best recordings of the year by American Record Guide and is now in its second printing. Love Rejoices is a 75-minute all-Adams recital featuring the artistry of Mr. Taylor and accompanist Robin Guy. The album features the complete song cycle, "Nightsongs" and "The Wider View" along with excerpts from "Five Millay Songs" and many individual songs, including the composer's original setting of "Amazing Grace."