Symphony of Secrets
Determined to uncover the truth that a powerful organization wants to keep hidden, Bern will stop at nothing to right history's wrongs and give Josephine the recognition she deserves.
Bern Hendricks has just received the call of a lifetime. As one of the world’s preeminent experts on the famed twentieth-century composer Frederick Delaney, Bern knows everything there is to know about the man behind the music. When Mallory Roberts, a board member of the distinguished Delaney Foundation and direct descendant of the man himself, asks for Bern’s help authenticating a newly discovered piece, which may be his famous lost opera, RED, he jumps at the chance. With the help of his tech-savvy acquaintance Eboni, Bern soon discovers that the truth is far more complicated than history would have them believe.
In 1920s Manhattan, Josephine Reed is living on the streets and frequenting jazz clubs when she meets the struggling musician Fred Delaney. But where young Delaney struggles, Josephine soars. She’s a natural prodigy who hears beautiful music in the sounds of the world around her. With Josephine as his silent partner, Delaney’s career takes off—but who is the real genius here?
In the present day, Bern and Eboni begin to uncover more clues that indicate Delaney may have had help in composing his most successful work. Armed with more questions than answers and caught in the crosshairs of a powerful organization who will stop at nothing to keep their secret hidden, Bern and Eboni will move heaven and earth in their dogged quest to right history’s wrongs.
Symphony of Secrets: A Novel by Brendan Slocumb
In Brendan Slocumb's captivating novel, "Symphony of Secrets," we follow the journey of Ray McMillian, a gifted young violinist from inner-city Philadelphia. Ray's extraordinary talent catches the attention of Dr. Henry Ross, a renowned conductor, who invites him to join the prestigious Sphinx Symphony Orchestra. As Ray embarks on this life-changing opportunity, he finds himself caught in a web of secrets, betrayal, and revelation.
The story delves into Ray's deep emotional ties to his family and community. As he navigates the unfamiliar world of classical music, he grapples with questions of identity, belonging, and the sacrifices he must make to pursue his dreams. The novel explores the complex dynamics of race, class, and privilege in the classical music world, while shedding light on the power of music to transcend boundaries.
Ray's journey is intertwined with the mystery surrounding a long-lost concerto composed by Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint-George, a Black composer and violinist who lived in the 18th century. As Ray uncovers the secrets of the concerto, he finds himself on a quest to reclaim the lost legacy of Saint-George and challenge the elitism that permeates the classical music world.
"Symphony of Secrets" is a beautifully written and emotionally resonant novel that celebrates the transformative power of music. Brendan Slocumb's skillful storytelling and deep understanding of the music world bring Ray's journey to life, offering readers a thought-provoking and inspiring story that speaks to the human spirit.
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