Recital focuses on power of the spiritual

One of the bedrock sources in African American music is the spiritual. Rooted in the horrific experiences of slavery, these creations eventually fed into the development of many other musical traditions, including blues, jazz and art songs.

“Majesty of the Spiritual,” a group recital program created by baritone Robert Sims, pays tribute to that lineage. A broad array of 12 vocalists, including soprano Hope Briggs, tenor Limmie Pulliam and bass Edwin Jhamaal Davis, will perform arrangements of spirituals, both familiar and less well known.

The program also features an appearance by mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, and film clips focused on the work of the three African American composers represented in the repertoire: Lena McLin, Roland Carter and Jacqueline B. Hairston.

Provided by Hope Briggs