Music in the Life of President Lincoln
Songs Opera Patriotic Melodies Spirituals
Hear music that lifted Lincolns spirits and strengthened him for the great task remaining before us.
Sesquicentennial Concert with Narration - Sunday, April 12th 4 P.M.
Virginia Chamber Orchestra, David Grandis, Music Director
Alexandria Choral Society
Meghan McCall, soprano
The Grand Contraband Jubilee Singers
Robert Aubry Davis, narrator
On display: Works by Virginia artist William Wasylyk
Ernst Community Cultural Center
NVCC Annandale Campus
8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, VA 22003
Directions
Tickets at the door: adults $40; seniors $30; students free Advance purchase: adults $35; seniors $30 A complimentary reception will follow the concert. Ample free parking. Tickets |
Celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the end of the Civil War and discover what Lincolns musical preferences and experiences reveal about this extraordinary leader.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS | |
Opera | Overture to Martha by von Flotow Martha, which continues to be preformed and recorded in the 21st century, is the only Inaugural Opera in US History. (Virginia Chamber Orchestra) |
Two arias from A Masked Ball by Verdi Learn how Lincoln literally stopped the show when he attended the New York City premiere. (Meghan McCall, soprano, Virginia Chamber Orchestra) |
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Songs | Stephen Foster songs Lincolns wide ranging musical tastes were typical of his era. (Alexandria Choral Society, Virginia Chamber Orchestra) |
Spirituals | The narrator will describe Lincolns visits to area encampments, where he sang along with the escaping slaves. (The Grand Contraband Jubilee Singers, a cappella) |
Patriotic Melodies | Gettysburg by David Kneupper, a contemporary work commissioned by the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield, Illinois. This poignant work combines Dixie and the Battle Hymn of the Republic, reflecting the tragedy of the Civil War. (Alexandria Choral Society, Virginia Chamber Orchestra) |
Symphony | Symphony No. 2 in D minor, Op. 24, (Jullien) by George Frederick
Bristow Bristow was a major figure in the New York City musical scene in the last half of the nineteenth century. Unlike the other selections there is no direct evidence that Lincoln heard this work. (Virginia Chamber Orchestra) |
The concert program will feature a special interpretive section contributed by nationally known experts in music and history.
concert flyer/announcement
News Release
Major Donors:
Reinsch Pierce Family Foundation
Virginia Foundation for the Humanities
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