The Dessoff Choirs presents the New York premieres of cantatas by Margaret Bonds, Thursday, April 28, at 7:30 p.m. (pre-concert talk 6:45 p.m.), at the Church of the Heavenly Rest, 1085 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. Tickets: General $30 and Up. Seniors/Students $20. To purchase, visit Dessoff.org.
The Dessoff Choirs continues its season celebrating African American composer Margaret Bonds (1913–1972), a significant figure in the fight for civil rights. This one-night only concert comprises the New York premieres of the orchestral versions of two neglected Bonds cantatas: Credo inspired by W.E.B. Du Bois’s essay, and Simon Bore the Cross (edition by Malcolm J. Merriweather), a collaboration with Langston Hughes. Conducted by Dessoff’s music director Malcolm J. Merriweather, The Dessoff Choirs is joined by a full orchestra, bass-baritone Dashon Burton, soprano Janinah Burnett, and the Carter Legacy Singers (Morgan State University Choir’s alumni ensemble).
The organist will be Nathaniel Gumbs. He currently serves as Director of Chapel Music at Yale University where he works with students, faculty, and guests to coordinate music for three worshiping communities: the University Church in Battell Chapel, and at Yale Divinity School in both Marquand Chapel and at Berkeley Divinity School. Gumbs is a member of The Diapason’s 20 under 30 Class of 2017.
For information: http://www.dessoff.org/
Other upcoming events:
East Texas Pipe Organ Festival
