Press & Media
So much goes on in the world of a composer. From concerts, to hosting events, and musical updates, you want to be the first to know what goes on in my life. Here you will find all of the news and press updates surrounding me and my work. Check out the press coverage I am receiving below.
Sister Songwriters Receive International Publication of Poetry
October 6, 2022
Congratulations to poet, author and librettist, DR. HAZEL ANN LEE and her younger sister, international composer, librettist and poet, CYNTHIA COZETTE LEE. This gifted award-winning songwriting duo of four operas, recently had two of their inspiring poems published in the noted literary Canadian online daily magazine 50-Word Stories. Hazel’s poem titled “Sunrise on Loran”, a science fiction poem describing vibrant sunrises on an alien planet, was published July 11, 2022. Cynthia’s poem called “Survival in Time”, speaks about the plight of the Native Americans and First Nations people, was published September 7, 2022. Both poems touch on stories about future nature events and survival.
As internationally distinguished poets and authors the Lee sisters have multiple publications. Some of their most distinctive writings are in their books. The Astronaut’s Window: Collection of Poems and Short Stories Celebrating Nature, a new book by Dr. Hazel Ann Lee includes original fascinating science-fiction poems and short stories. The Forgotten Schoolhouse: Original Poems and Short Stories on Faith, Love, Nature and Wonder, a book by Dr. Cynthia Cozette Lee, includes original inspiring poem tributes honoring famous international figures, including “The Town Crier’s News” dedicated to President Barack Obama, “When Will Love Reign in the World?” for President Nelson Mandela, “The Courageous Astronaut” for Guion S. Bluford, Jr., “Mathematical Genius” for Katherine Johnson, “The Royal Wedding of Hope” to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex (Harry and Meghan) and a poem “Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II.”
The two uplifting poems, “Survival in Time” by Cynthia and “Sunrise on Loran” by Hazel can be viewed at the following URLs:
“Survival in Time” poetry link:
http://fiftywordstories.com/2022/09/07/cynthia-cozette-survival-in-time/
“Sunrise on Loran” poetry link:
Cynthia Cozette Lee Has 2 Exciting Premiere Performances of Her Flute Music
September 19, 2022
Two inspiring flute works by CYNTHIA COZETTE LEE, award-winning contemporary
Black American classical composer, were performed this past summer. DETROIT RIVER PROMISE, a new flute trio work composed by Cozette, received a world premiere performance in Detroit, Michigan on June 22, 2022 at the Crescendo Detroit All Program Concert. A special thank you to flute teacher, Shelly Rouse-Freitag and her three talented flute performers, Detroit high school students. The three flutists gave an exciting world premiere performance of Cozette’s trio music. The work was so well received that the flute trio ensemble was invited to repeat their performance of the DETROIT RIVER PROMISE at the Detroit Concert of Colors Festival which took place at the Detroit Institute of the Arts on July 23, 2022. Shelly Rouse-Freitag is a volunteer flute instructor with Crescendo Detroit, an after-school music program and a private flute instructor in the Detroit Metro Area. Shelly is a member of the Michigan Philharmonic, Oakland and the Warren Symphony Orchestras playing second flute and piccolo.
Cynthia Cozette Lee’s flute work RIVERS: AN AFRICAN TRIBUTE for Unaccompanied Flute was recently selected and performed by Dr. Paula Gudmundson, Associate Professor of Flute at the University of Minnesota Duluth on her YouTube channel. This performance is the premiere of the work on a YouTube channel. Dr. Gudmundson is a 2022- 2023 recipient of the Mcknight Fellowship for Performing Musicians. Dr. Gudmudson’s performance can be viewed on YouTube at the following URL https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lsOyy5z1VU
CYNTHIA COZETTE LEE has composed 4 operas, and numerous chamber music, choral and symphonic works. This year, aria excerpts from her opera Adea were performed by the opera company, OperaCréole and the Washington National Opera Summer Institute.
Hats off to Shelly and her promising flute students for successfully performing Cozette’s moving new work, DETROIT RIVER PROMISE. Also a sincere thank you to Dr. Gudmundson for selecting and performing Cozette’s compelling flute music, RIVERS: AN AFRICAN TRIBUTE.
COZETTE’S OPERA ADEA EXCERPT PERFORMED BY OPERACRÉOLE IN NEW ORLEANS
March 6, 2022
OperaCréole celebrated Black Women Classical Musicians and Black Women Civil Rights Leaders in a Women’s History Month concert tribute on March 6, 2022, 3:00 pm at the Laurenia in New Orleans. Cynthia Cozette Lee, composer and librettist of the aria “Morning’ from her lyrical opera “Adea” was one of several distinguished Black women composers of opera whose music was performed. Cozette is very grateful for this honor. To hear more please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlIw48jTgyU Cynthia Cozette Lee’s “Adea” “Morning Duet” is an inspiring aria performed eloquently by OperaCréole talented opera singers.
Entrée to Black Paris
Paris, France Premiere of The Wake
Dr. Cynthia Cozette Lee was featured as a composer in an April 27, 2023 "Entrée to Black Paris" blog article after the notable premiere performance of her art song "The Wake” for voice and string orchestra in Paris, France by the Orchestre Symphonique du Loiret. https://www.entreetoblackparis.com/blog/africa-lyrics-opera-2nd-competition?fbclid=IwAR3ml0y0qsYk3-U7gVwV11liZbL2Cx2vyFGUcMQjyyVzbg_inToGwD-dwyc
Dr. Cynthia Cozette Lee appeared in The Philadelphia Sunday Sun Newspaper in April 28, 2023 in an article titled “Award-winning African American Classical Composer’s Art Song World Premiere”. https://www.philasun.com/entertainment/award-winning-african-american-classical-composers-art-song-world-premiere/