By: Kofi Taharka
As a young child in Houston’s Settegast community during the late 1950’s and early 1960’s Georgianne Lundy became inspired watching the power of orchestras on television, but she did not see anyone who resembled her. That inspiration has led to generations of Houston’s youth and adults being trained, as well as performing, and viewing orchestra music by Black composers. Dr. Anne Lundy has dedicated her life to ensuring that all people with a special focus on Black people are well represented in the field of orchestra music.
Supported by her family and the Settegast community, over the decades she has earned degrees in music
all the way up to her PhD (2015). She teamed up with the Community Music Center of Houston (CMCH) a 501 (c) (3) Non-Profit in 1983. She stands on the shoulders of CMHC founders the late Ron Scales, Patricia Johnson, the late Reverend William Lawson, and Audrey Lawson of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church. CMCH was founded at Wheeler in 1979. cmchouston.org provides an in-depth history of the organization.
Currently, Dr. Lundy is the music director of the CMCH which includes conducting the Scott Joplin Chamber Orchestra (SJCO) and the William Grant Still String Quartet. Her life work has ensured that Black children and adults can see themselves excelling in the classical music space. While some Houstonian’s performing various genres of music may garner more attention, Dr. Lundy is no less iconic, often weaving many musical styles into her orchestra concerts. The first Black woman to conduct the Houston Symphony Orchestra in 1989, conducting the SJCO Orchestra as a part of Beyonce’s performance at Superbowl XXXVIII in 2004 are a few of her accolades. Equally as important is her daily commitment to teach and inspire current and future generations.
She never fails to put “Community” into her creative collaborations. CMCH will host a diverse group of women musical masters from across the country on March 22, 2026, at 5:00 PM at St. James Episcopal Church 3129 Southmore Blvd. This free concert will celebrate Women’s History Month. The guest masters include Donna Weng Friedman, Steinway Hall of Fame pianist, Stefania de Kenessey, a leading figure in contemporary classical music: Dr. Jacqueline Pickett, master double bassist, and distinguished
