The Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra makes its first Carnegie Hall appearance since 2001 with a program featuring John Adams's iconic Harmonium and Robert Nathaniel Dett’s The Ordering of Moses, an oratorio that weaves the story of Moses leading the Jews to freedom with African-American spirituals. May Festival music director James Conlon conducts.
The Ordering of Moses has a dramatic history. It premiered at the Cincinnati May Festival on May 7, 1937, with a chorus of 350 and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra. The work was broadcast live nationwide on NBC radio, in what was likely the first network classical music broadcast of a major work by a black composer, although only about three-quarters of the work was heard. Near the end of the broadcast an announcer interrupted the music and said it was being cut short due to "previous commitments."
However, it has been suggested that the program was abruptly ended due to objections of the work because of Mr. Dett's race. (This audio is expected to be presented during Friday night's concert.)
WQXR's broadcast – uninterrupted – starts at 7:30 pm.
Program:
- Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra
- May Festival Chorus
James Conlon, Musical Director - Latonia Moore, Soprano
- Ronnita Nicole Miller, Mezzo-Soprano
- Rodrick Dixon, Tenor
- Donnie Ray Albert, Baritone
We asked you to share your thoughts during the concert on Twitter using the hashtag #S4M. Below is a collection of your tweets and photos.
