We explore the introduction of African American spirituals into classical music. The Syracuse Orchestra performs one of Coleridge-Taylor’s best-loved works, Petit Suite de Concert. The Syracuse University Oratorio Society joins for Nathaniel Dett’s The Ordering of Moses, depicting the biblical deliverance journey of the Israelites from Egypt.

The Ordering Of Moses

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

 Pianist and composer George Walker wrote the “Lyric for Strings” while a graduate student at the Curtis Institute of Music. Originally written as        the second movement of a string quartet, it was later broadcast on radio in a string orchestra version titled “Lament.” Walker dedicated the work        as an elegy “To my grandmother.” Walker creates an endless line of melody, sincerity, and beauty in a short work that conveys his deep        understanding of music in a manner that comes directly from the heart.

        Little is known of the performance history of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s tone poem, “Touissaint L’Ouverture” beyond the premier on October         26th, at London’s Queen's Hall. Lost to history, the handwritten and fragmented score was transcribed by our own principal timpanist, Marty        Jenkins for this performance. The work was only recently revived and this MVSO performance is among the very first to be heard worldwide.        Written as an homage to the Haitian general of the same name who fought for independence and the end of slavery in Haiti, the work        demonstrates the richly romantic and soaring melodies that Coleridge-Taylor is known for.

University of Dayton

JoAnn Falletta, the BPO, and the Buffalo United Community Choir (BUCC) present a performance continuing our commitment to share musical experiences that bring together and uplift the Western NY community.

Concert for Unity

Zion Missionary Baptist Church

The BPO presents a free, outdoor concert at Goat Island in Niagara Falls State Park.

Goat Island – Niagara Falls State Park

Goat Island State Park

Students of the Shepherd School present a concert of repertoire written by black composers to celebrate Black History Month.

EPSG:4326

A Black History Month Concert

Alice Pratt Brown Hall

The unique spirit of our nation has been the source of inspiration for countless writers and composers through the years. ETSO brings two of those voices to the stage for a concert celebrating America in music. The words of American icons, Abraham Lincoln and George Washington, take center stage for two works: The speeches and writings of our 16th president give voice to Aaron Copland’s Lincoln Portrait. And Composer Aaron Dworkin has used the life and words of America’s first president, George Washington, as the source of his work The American Rhapsody.  Dworkin, himself, will serve as narrator for the ETSO performance.  The concert also features special appearances by vocal and instrumental ensembles from Texas College and Jarvis Christian University, performing with the ETSO.

The Spirit Of America

The University of Texas at Tyler

In 1937, NBC began a live radio broadcast of Black American composer Robert Nathaniel Dett’s The Ordering of Moses. However… mid-performance NBC cut the broadcast feed giving in to complaints from outraged listeners. On Feburary 9, Experience Dett’s full-length oratorio – performed without interruption – and find out why we think this might be the greatest American choral work of all time. 

Robert Nathaniel Dett

Events

Past events

Oct 30, 2025

The Ordering Of Moses · The Syracuse Orchestra

Oct 12, 2025

The Ordering Of Moses · Miami Valley Symphony Orchestra

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