In Honor of Black History Month

Featuring Virginian composer Adolphus Hailstork’s I Will Life Up Mine Eyes sung by the combined Shenandoah Conservatory choirs (Conservatory Choir, Shenandoah Chorus, Cantus Singers and Shenandoah Singers) and accompanied by members of the Shenandoah Conservatory Symphony Orchestra with guest soloist Alfonzo Cooper, tenor and scholar on the music of Hailstork.

The concert celebrates the contributions of black Americans to our musical heritage while acknowledging the enslavement, suppression, discrimination and ultimate struggle for equality that inspired such bold and unique artistic expression. All of the selections represent compositions and/or texts written by black Americans.

PROGRAM

Traditional Spiritual (arr. Rollo Dillworth): My Soul’s been anchored in the Lord
Gwyneth Walker: Selection from Harlem Songs
Jeff Brown: Selections from The Dawn’s Awake, Six Choral Songs
Paul Ayres: I washed my hands in muddy water
Greg Gilpin: Nothin’ gonna stumble my feet
Adolphus Hailstork: I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes

Photos by C. King Photography