Our Anthem: An Orchestral Activation

Details

Sound Off: Music for Bail full profile / Full orchestra / 24 musicians

Full program notes

J. Rosamund Johnson - Lift Every Voice (arr. Jay Julio)
Jessie Montgomery - Banner
Michael Abels - Delights and Dances

Mid-concert talk by Tyrone Davis Jr. from Black and Pink NYC

Frederick Tillis - Niger Symphony (NYC premiere)

Historical context

In choosing the works and composers for this concert, Sound Off sought to address the question: What does a national anthem mean for people historically treated as second-class citizens? Beginning with an original arrangement of J. Rosamund Johnson’s “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, commonly referred to as the Black National Anthem, the program explores the interlocking history of US racial policies and Black musical traditions through three leading American composers:  Jessie Montgomery (“Banner”), Michael Abels (“Delights and Dances”), and Frederick Tillis, whose “Niger Symphony” will be receiving its NYC premiere.

Videos from this ensemble