Holding On Through Song VII: The Living Legacy and Inspiration of the American Negro Spiritual
Schedule
Sun, 25 Jan, 2026 at 04:00 pm
UTC-05:00Location
Downtown United Presbyterian Church | Rochester, NY
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Two Performances:Friday, January 23, 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, January 25, 4 p.m. @ Downtown United Presbyterian Church
First Inversion continues our twelfth season, “We Are. . .” with the seventh annual Holding On Through Song. This year’s program invites you to reflect on the enduring legacy of the American Negro Spiritual through new and old arrangements of spirituals as well as new works and improvisations that draw inspiration from spirituals and connect their music with insight and relevance for a modern community.
Thanks to a grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Arts and Cultural Initiative through Rochester Area Community Foundation (RACF), we are pleased to feature guest artist Jorell Williams as a baritone soloist, pianist and composer. Williams is no stranger to Rochester audiences, having won first prize and audience prize in the 2018 Rochester International Vocal Competition (hosted by the Rochester Oratorio Society) and appearing regularly with Finger Lakes Opera.
Williams' precise and sincere approach to singing is echoed in his compositions. His “Americana/Go Down Moses,” for piano, which serves as a solemn centerpiece in the weekend’s program, is a musical meditation born in response to the murder of George Floyd. Also featured are selections from Williams' “Civil Rights Songs” stemming from words from Louisville Metro Councilwoman Dr. Paula McCraney, and Williams' arrangement of the spiritual “Oh Freedom” for the choir’s tenors and basses.
This year’s program also includes choral arrangements by other acclaimed living composers such as Marques L.A. Garrett, Shawn Okpebholo, Rosephanye Powell and Brandon Waddles.
As always, the concerts are offered as a gift to our community, with suggested donations of $25 (or $5 for students) to support our work.
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Where is it happening?
Downtown United Presbyterian Church, 121 N Fitzhugh St, Rochester, NY 14614-1214, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
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