Special to the Recorder
The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra will perform its 26th annual Celebration of Black History concert Tuesday, Feb. 8, at 7:30 p.m. at the Hilbert Circle Theatre. Admission is free, with general admission on a first-come, first-served basis.
The ISO’s Celebration of Black History concert honors the significant impact of African-American culture on classical and symphonic music, as well as the superb artistry and creativity of Black artists, composers and conductors. This year’s program reflects that focus with Omaha Symphony Orchestra Music Director Thomas Wilkins conducting music by Duke Ellington, Michael Abels, Adolphus Hailstork, James Lee III and J. Rosamond Johnson, plus arrangements of traditional spirituals and other works befitting the celebration featuring the Voices of the Light Choir from Light of the World Christian Church. The program also features noted African-American storyteller and narrator Charlotte Blake Alston.
The program, which will be performed without intermission, will feature Duke Ellington’s “King of the Magi” from Three Black Kings, Morton Gould’s “Jubilee” from Spirituals for Orchestra, Beethoven’s “Hallelujah” from Christ on the Mount of Olives, Michael Abels’ Walk With Me, a selection from Adolphus Hailstork’s Symphony No. 1, the Hiddekel: Third from Life from James Lee III’s Beyond Rivers of Vision, an arrangement of Keep Your Lamps, Samuel Barber’s Adagio for Strings, featuring Alston’s narration, and will close with J. Rosamond Johnson’s Lift Every Voice and Sing.
This special event is sponsored by The Indianapolis Recorder and Indianapolis Power and Light Co. Radio One is the media partner for the program.
