Dessoff continues its mission to perform rarely heard choral masterpieces with the world premiere of Margaret Bonds’ Credo. Portions of the work were performed in 1972 just four weeks after the composer’s untimely death. In the mid-1960s, Bonds focused her attention on the writings of W.E.B. Du Bois, another leader dedicated to African-American causes. Du Bois’ essay Credo (1913) so inspired Bonds that she immediately set out to compose the work. The seven movement piece was dedicated to the memories of poet Langston Hughes and singer-actress Abbie Mitchell. The text promotes unity and social equality and Bonds expertly portrays the sentiment with rich harmonies and exciting motifs. Dessoff is proud to finally share the orchestral version with the world.
Simon Bore the Cross, an Easter cantata, is another rarely performed work of Bonds and Langston Hughes. Like Ballad of the Brown King, the Christmas cantata, the protagonist is a black man, whose life was a role model for helping lift the lives of others. By performing and recording both these overlooked works, we will shine a light on Bonds’ neglected but significant contribution to the American music canon.
PROGRAM:
I BELIEVE: CREDO (New York premiere) – Margaret Bonds (1913-1972)
Simon Bore the Cross – Margaret Bonds
Merriweather sings the role of Henry “Box” Brown.
Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Paul Moravec has collaborated with librettist Mark Campbell to create the second of his “American historical oratorios.” Sanctuary Road draws on the astonishing stories to be found in William Still’s book The Underground Railroad, which documents the network of secret routes and safe houses used by African American slaves to escape into free states and Canada during the early- to mid-1800s.
Merriweather sing the role of Henry “Box” Brown in his Chautauqua Symphony debut.
“Paths to Freedom” is a concert that links aspects of American history and culture to the present day through music. Paul Moravec and Mark Campbell’s Sanctuary Road is based on a book by 19th-century civil rights leader William Still who would become known as the “Father of the Underground Railroad.” Helping many hundreds of slaves escape to freedom, Still’s careful recordkeeping was also essential in reuniting family members who had become separated under slavery. At Sanctuary Road’s world premiere performance in 2018, the New York Classical Review praised the work as “…an oratorio in the full quasi-operatic sense, rich in character, action, and vocal display.”
Jaap van Sweden, conductor
Rob Mathes, conductor
Malcolm J. Merriweather, director, New York Philharmonic Chorus
Jaap van Sweden, conductor
Malcolm J. Merriweather, director, New York Philharmonic Chorus
PROGRAM
Angélica Negrón: You Are the Prelude,Text by Ricardo Alberto Maldonado – World Premiere, NY Philharmonic Commission
Beethoven: Symphony No. 9
The Dessoff Choirs
David Enlow, organist
Lucia Bradford, mezzo-soprano
Thapelo Masita, violoncello
Malcolm J. Merriweather, conductor
PROGRAM
Vicente Lusitano:
Beati omnes qui timent Dominum
Inviolata, integra et casta es Maria
Regina Caeli
Maurice Duruflé: Requiem
Brooklyn College Symphonic Choir
Brooklyn College Jazz Ensemble
Christoper Cooley, piano
Ronnie Burrage, conductor
Malcolm J. Merriweather, conductor
PROGRAM
Matti Caspi: Mishehu
Arr. Josef Hadar: Britt Olam
Arr. Aryeh Epstein: Halleluja
Ronnie Burrage: God’s Only Black Man Unity
Arr. Roger Holland, II:
Always
Alana’s Dance
G.F. Handel: Pocket Messiah (Movements 4, 7, 12, 17, 44)
Festival Chorus (grades 10-12)
Malcolm J. Merriweather, conductor
PROGRAM
Liu Zuang: Tui Chao Mian
Margaret Bonds: The Negro Speaks of Rivers
Arlen/arr. Gregg Smith: Somewhere over the Rainbow
Quadros and Abu-Khader Adinu
Margaret Bonds: I believe in Patience from Credo, Margaret Bonds
Manhattan School of Music Chorale
Manhattan School of Music Chamber Singers
Malcolm J. Merriweather, conductor
PROGRAM
Florence Price: “The Moon Bridge”
George Walker: “Gloria in Memoriam”
Samuel Coleridge Taylor: “Encinctured with Twine Leaves”
Margaret Bonds: “The Negro Speaks of Rivers”
Craig Hella Johnson: “Considering Matthew Shepard”
Vicente Lusitano: Regina Caeli
Vicente Lusitano: Quid montes, Musae?
