MLK Celebration Concert
She Sings for Freedom
Jan. 14, 2024 | 3:00 p.m.
Bijou Theatre
sponsored by
This performance is presented in partnership with the Bijou Theatre and Beck Cultural Exchange Center
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As president of the Beck Cultural Exchange Center, the place where African American history and culture are preserved, it is my pleasure to welcome our entire community to this special MLK weekend concert, “She Sings of Freedom.” This year’s program explores the lives and music of six extraordinary female musicians of the Civil Rights Movement. Music ignited the Movement and its sound forced the conscience of America to be “woke.” These women along with many others lifted their voices and sang the message of freedom, declaring, “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Round.” The history books are often silent on the significant role African American women have played in the struggle for freedom. This moving tribute gives voice to the legacy of some of these influential women. It deepens our understanding of the vital role and impact of women in the fight for justice and equality during the mid-twentieth century. Willing to risk it all, these women helped to carry the Civil Rights Movement forward through their music and activism. Diane Nash, Civil Rights activist and a leading figure in the Movement stated, “People understood very well what could happen.” Despite the cost, these women chose to act demonstrating their unwavering commitment to justice for all as they changed history. Beck is honored to support this concert featuring KSO Music Director Aram Demirjian together with a group of remarkable women who are unsilencing the voices of these pioneering icons of the Civil Rights Movement. Thus, we are honored to commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by honoring the legacy of all who stood for freedom. Welcome.
- Reverend Reneé Kesler, President
Beck Cultural Exchange Center
Beck Cultural Exchange Center
PROGRAM
Aram Demirjian, conductor
Dr. Dasha Lundy, speaker
Phyllis Y. Nichols, speaker
Rhea Carmon, poet
Evelyn Jack, vocals
Kelle Jolly, vocals
Teyah Young, vocals
FLORENCE PRICE
Excerpt from “Andante moderato” from String Quartet in G major
TRAD. (arr. DEMIRJIAN)
America (My Country, ‘Tis of Thee)
FRANZ SCHUBERT
Ave Maria
TRAD. (arr. PRICE)
TRAD. (arr. PRICE)
My Soul’s Been Anchored in the Lord
VALERIE COLEMAN
Portraits of Josephine
I. Ol’ St. Louis (excerpt)
COLE PORTER (arr. SCHACHTER)
Easy to Love
VALERIE COLEMAN
Portraits of Josephine
IV. Thank You, Josephine
TRAD. (arr. SCHACHTER)
I Want Jesus to Walk with Me
TRAD. (arr. SCHACHTER)
Take My Hand, Precious Lord
TRAD. (arr. SCHACHTER)
Down by the Riverside
TRAD. (arr. DEMIRJIAN)
Spiritual Trilogy
FLORENCE PRICE (arr. FINE)
Adoration
HARRY BURLEIGH (arr. TYZIK)
Ev’ry Time I Feel the Spirit
GENE TAYLOR (arr. DEMIRJIAN)
Why? (The King of Love is Dead)
TRAD.
We Shall Overcome
J. ROSAMOND JOHNSON (arr. CLARK)
Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing
Latecomers will be seated during the first convenient pause in the performance.
The use of recording devices and/or cameras is strictly forbidden. Please remember to silence all electronic devices and refrain from text messaging during the concert. Mobile devices may be used to read program notes during the concert.
Programs and artists subject to change.
