On Demand Programs and Events! and Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 801 W. State St., Trenton, N.J., are partnering in presenting the world premiere of a new concert work, “Lord, Write My Name,” at 2 p.m. Sept. 25.
To purchase tickets call 609-392-3805 x100 or go to Eventbrite. Tickets range from $30 to $40 to $50, and group rates are available.
Nationally recognized baritone vocalist Keith Spencer and award-winning composer, pianist and arranger Peter Hilliard have teamed up to create this unique musical tapestry of African American Spirituals.
A musical blend of African American Spirituals is interspersed with narratives, poetry, and letters penned by freed slaves and iconic Black figures throughout history. It explores the plight of those enslaved mourning in servitude, the redemptive story of the Gospel, and ultimately, their claimed identity as a freed people.
Well-known spirituals performed by Spencer, include: “Deep River,” “My Good Lord’s Done Been Here,” “Nobody knows the Trouble I Seen,” “Steal Away,” and several others arranged and played by Hilliard for the first time in public.
According to Spencer, “It is an honor to present this concert which shares the significance and influence of the Gospel on people who had so little else to hold onto. Slave owners intended to use the Bible to control and coerce. Instead, within Scripture, slaves found a hope and freedom of their own that couldn’t be beaten or taken from them. We see the result in the beauty and messaging of these expressive spirituals.”
Natalie Kaye, president of On Demand, added, “I am thrilled to present this one-of-a-kind event spotlighting such an important and yet untold portion of American history. I can think of no-one more capable to put this program together than the outstanding talents of Keith Spencer and Peter Hilliard.”
Bobbie Powell, chair of the Cathedral Arts Series at Trinity noted, “We are thrilled to host this special world premiere concert event at the Cathedral as our inaugural concert event. We look forward to working with On Demand in the future to bring additional concerts to our Cathedral.”
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