April 17, 2018

CONTACT: 

Susan Stensland

Georgia Symphony Orchestra
sstensland@georgiasymphony.org

770.429.2390

MARIETTA – The Georgia Symphony Orchestra (GSO) will proudly partner with regional African-American organizations in the presentation of April concerts this year. In keeping with their mission of presenting relevant music to the entire community, the GSO will collaborate with:

• Morehouse Glee Club
• Spelman Glee Club
• Uzee Brown Society of Choraliers
• Georgia Spiritual Ensemble
• Dr. Uzee Brown
• Dr. Oral Moses
• Theresa Price
• Nicole Carr of WSBTV

The GSO Chorus will join with the partner choristers to form a tremendous voice ensemble to power the performance, which will present a range of music offerings from outbursts of spiritual joy to the exploration of social justice. Featuring the music of African-American composers, this concert constitutes the fourth installment in a multi-year and multi-ensemble series dedicated to American music. It includes the world premiere of Moonlight Waltz by the GSO’s own N. E. Wheeler, the Georgia premiere of Daniel Bernard Roumain’s Human Songs and Stories and the Georgia premiere of William Grant Still’s And They Lynched Him on a Tree.

Music Overview 

Jonathan Bailey Holland, Motor City Dance Mix - Holland presents a diverse and varied compositional style. For this piece, he intended to reach a wider audience of people who enjoy both classical music, and music in general. Originally commissioned by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, this work is designed to make you want to dance in your seat.

N. E. Wheeler, Moonlight Waltz - This world premiere commissioned work is written by a member of the Georgia Symphony Orchestra.

Adolphus Hailstork, Shout for Joy - Of the piece, Hailstork says “I wanted to capture the feeling of a great European festival anthem while using African-American sounds.” The jubilant work features organ, strings, brass, and percussion with chorus.

William Grant Still, And They Lynched Him on a Tree - This Georgia premiere tells the story of a man who was convicted of a crime and lynched by a mob circumventing the justice system. As the only lynching drama in classical music, and with its segregated chorus parts, it stands alone in addressing and confronting the human impact of violence and social injustice.

Daniel Bernard Roumain, Human Songs and Stories – The musical approachability of this piece creates a background to the guiding direction of the narrator and the statements presented by members of the combined choruses. All elements on stage work together to create a picture of community, and of the shared human experience.

For more information and ticketing, see www.georgiasymphony.org or call 770-429-2390.

WHO:                 Music lovers of all ages

WHAT:                America, Volume 4

WHEN/WHERE: Friday, April 20, 2018

                          8:00p.m.

                          Ray Charles Performing Arts Center

                          900 West End Ave SW, Atlanta, GA 30310

                          Saturday, April 21, 2018

                          8:00pm

                          Marietta Performing Arts Center

                         1171 Whitlock Avenue, Marietta, GA 30152

HOW:               Adult tickets $20-$30 Student tickets $10

Purchase tickets at 770-429-2390 or online at georgiasymphony.org/

About the Georgia Symphony Orchestra

The Georgia Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1951, and brings music to over 17,000 people annually.  Its mission is to engage and enrich diverse audiences through the presentation of music at the highest artistic level and to provide programs and education that instill a lifelong appreciation for the arts. The GSO organization also includes the GSO Chorus, GSO Jazz!, GSO Youth Chorus, and the Georgia Youth Symphony Orchestra.

For more information, visit georgiasymphony.org/