The Santa Barbara Choral Society's February concert celebrates Presidents' Month (Washington and Lincoln were born in February) and presents a program of works by American composers.
More importantly, they celebrate Black History Month with both traditional and contemporary African American music.
The program, called “Red, White and Blues,” will be performed at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1500 State St. Paul, on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 25, at 3 p.m.
The choir is led by artistic director Joanne Wasserman. Renowned singer, composer, actor, and author Michael Dawson Connor will appear as a guest soloist.
The program includes American composers Rollo Dilworth, James Erb, “Blind Lemon” Jefferson, Sean Kirchner, John Jacob Niles, Alice Parker, Stephen Paulus, Vincent Persichetti, and Lloyd Pfortu. , Randall Thompson, and Eric Whitaker.
“The Black tradition deeply shapes American music, leaving an indelible mark across genres,” the choral society says. “From the soulful rhythms of the blues to the infectious beats of jazz, the powerful expressions of gospel to the rhythmic rhythms of hip-hop, black artists like Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, and Aretha Franklin defined musical styles. , has evolved.
“Their influence extends beyond the individual and permeates the essence of American music, enriching it with a unique blend of emotion, storytelling, and resilience. This legacy is rooted in the struggles and triumphs of the Black community. remains an integral part of the vibrant tapestry of American musical culture.”
The program is chock-full of highlights, too many, in fact, to go into detail, including “Shenandoah,” “Across the Wide Missouri,” and “Rolling River.” I should mention a song also known as “Oh My Rolling River” etc.
Never before has such a wonderful song come from this continent. Its melodies and expansive harmonies are reminiscent of morning mist rising from the surface of a wide, smooth river. It's very American, of course there's a river running through it.
Of course there's the Shenandoah River. It is a major tributary of the Potomac River that flows through our nation's capital. I don't go near the Missouri River.
And then there's the Shenandoah Valley, which had some of the richest farmland in early America. But perhaps the song's name comes from Shenandoah (1710-1816), a Oneida-Iroquois chief whose beautiful daughter captured the hearts of early traders and explorers (hence the song's name). (O Shenandoah, I love your daughter…”). ).
The Director must have been a wonderful person. He lived in his castle in Oneida, a town in central New York, and was a co-founder of Oneida Academy, which became a college in Hamilton, New York. He is buried on campus grounds.
Despite specific references and specific characters, “Shenandoah” sounds more like a national anthem or hymn than a folk song. It has an above all religious and mystical quality that lifts the eye towards the horizon.
As the song has passed down to the present day, it has absorbed several stories and parts of the story, becoming itself a kind of metaphor for the growth of the country.
More than anything, this song reminds me of Archibald MacLeish's great poem “American Letter.” Among other things, he says:
“It's a strange thing to be American.
…
America is west and the wind is blowing.
The words “America is Wonderful” and snow,
The road, the white bird, the falling rain,
Something that shines in my heart and the sound of seagulls.
America is not a land or a people.
It is the shape of words, the sweeping wind —
America is isolated: many people together,
One mouth, one breath, many
They wore the same clothes and didn't have any siblings.
Just taught speech and monkey tongues.
America is isolated and the seagulls are singing…”
The choral society will also sing the energetic spiritual “Didn't It Rain?''
Tickets are $30, general admission. $20 for seniors (65 and older). $10 for students and children. Everyone is welcome to attend the post-concert reception.
Tickets can be purchased at the door or online at www.sbcs.app.neoncrm.com/nx/portal/neonevents/events#/events/1173/storefront.