In February 1902, Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, an English composer of African descent, was supposed to visit Washington, D. C., and be the guest of Paul Laurence Dunbar. The two men met during Paul's visit to England in 1897.
Later in the year one of the musical clubs is intending to entertain Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, who is coming over from London to conduct his cantata Hiawatha. Mr. Taylor is a favorite here, and his works have been studied for some time by this musical club. It is expected that he will be shown a great many social courtesies.
"Negro Society in Washington," by Paul Laurence Dunbar. The Saturday Evening Post (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania). December 14, 1901. Page 9.
The prospect of having Mr. S. Coleridge-Taylor with us to conduct the presentation of his great cantata, Hiawatha, has stirred up from the depths not only musical Washington, but all of its public-spirited people. The Hiawatha chorus has begun rehearsals in earnest.
"Coleridge-Taylor Coming." The Colored American (Washington, D. C.). December 7, 1901. Page 10.
Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, the young African composer, will visit Washington this month for the purpose of staging his operetta Hiawatha. He will be the guest of Mr. Paul Laurence Dunbar, many of whose poems Mr. Taylor has set to music. The young musician now resides in London and he has the benefit of the best musical training.
"Race Gleanings." The Freeman (Indianapolis, Indiana). February 1, 1902. Page 7.
However, at the end of January, Paul separated permanently from his wife Alice and he quickly left Washington. Concerts of Coleridge-Taylor's music were held in Washington that season, although the composer himself was not present.
Lincoln Memorial Temple was filled to overflowing Tuesday night. Mr. Clarence White, a favorite young violinist here, received generous applause for his skillful rendition of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor's Gipsy Song. The Treble Clef also pleased the audience with a quartette from Hiawatha by the same composer.
"Plea for Good Music." The Colored American (Washington, D. C.). January 25, 1902. Page 4.
The concert drew out a very enthusiastic audience to the Berean Baptist Church Friday evening. The program was arranged by the Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Choral Society and was for the benefit of the expense fund of the large chorus of two hundred voices now rehearsing Hiawatha.
"The Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Choral Society." The Colored American (Washington, D. C.). March 8, 1902. Page 9.
Had Mr. Coleridge-Taylor been present last night at Bethel Church he would have been highly gratified at the very satisfactory manner in which his music was interpreted by men and women of his own race. The program was devoted exclusively to Mr. Taylor and his music, and was in charge of a committee from the Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Choral Society.
"Coleridge-Taylor's Hiawatha." The Evening Star (Washington, D. C.). April 9, 1902. Page 10.