We Will Rise: Music of Resilience, Justice, and Hope
On March 25 & 26 , 2023, Grace Chorale of Brooklyn performed:
We Will Rise: Music of Resilience, Justice and Hope
Oratorium nach Bildern der Bibel (“Scenes from the Bible'') by Fanny (Mendelssohn) Hensel (1831)
Credo by Margaret Bonds (1965-67), from text by W.E.B Dubois with guest conductor Carey Courtney and singers from The Abyssinian Baptist Church Cathedral Choir, Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church Chancel Choir, and Brooklyn Ecumenical Choir.
Two Poems by Nicole Russell, 2023, (world premier)
YOU CAN SEE THE VIDEO OF THIS CONCERT BY CLICKING HERE.
We Will Rise : Music of Resilience, Justice and Hope featured three works from female composers who were inspired to create art as a way of grappling with societal challenges. Though the composers hail from three very different generations, all three works deal with common themes of human struggle, including racism, sexism, and survival in times of devastating epidemics. The Grace Chorale of Brooklyn brought these themes to light through the power of choral music, giving voice to the resilience of the human spirit.
Nicole Russell, this year's commissioned composer of Two Poems, is a superbly talented pianist, vocalist, teacher, and producer. Her work is exploratory and harmonically adventurous, and is often inspired by nature, mental health, gender issues and race. Now based in Brooklyn, she is originally from Austin, Texas. Come out for our concerts on the 25th and 26th to hear the premiere of her commissioned piece!
Credo was written by the African American composer Margaret Bonds in the 1960s, a time of great turmoil but also triumph for the Black American community. Drawing from the text “Darkwater: Voices from Within the Veil” by civil rights activist W.E.B. DuBois, Credo explores the conflict between white and black workers and themes of justice and equality - themes that American society still grapples with today.
Fanny (Mendelssohn) Hensel’s Oratorium nach Bildern der Bibel (Scenes from the Bible) was composed in 1831 in response to the devastating cholera pandemic that raged through parts of Asia and Europe from 1826 through 1837. One of Hensel’s biggest works, the cantata traces a narrative of human adversity and despair, culminating in the joyful praise of God. The piece deftly moves through themes and emotions, uplifting highs and heavy lows, before finishing with a powerful combination of voice and orchestra.