World Premiere! Elijah’s Call: An Oratorio for an Abolitionist

Join us for an unforgettable afternoon where music meets history and help Allison Lovejoy and the Golden Gate Symphony Orchestra & Chorus sound the call for justice to resonate through the ages.

Sunday November 3rd 2024 - 2:00 PM - Palace of Fine Arts - San Francisco

Tickets:  www.cityboxoffice.com/ggsoc

On November 3rd 2024 a musical event at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco will echo through the annals of American history. The Golden Gate Symphony Orchestra & Chorus will present the world premiere of “Elijah’s Call” a stirring oratorio by Allison Lovejoy a Bay Area composer whose lineage intertwines with the very heart of this poignant narrative.

“Elijah’s Call” immortalizes Elijah Parish Lovejoy a courageous preacher and editor who in 1837 stood resolute against the tide of slavery. In a small turbulent frontier town Elijah’s impassioned anti-slavery editorials printed in his newspaper the “Alton Observer” spurred a violent pro-slavery mob to shoot and K*ll him in cold blood. Over time the tale of Elijah’s sacrifice became a beacon of hope inspiring renowned abolitionists and political leaders across the nation including John Brown and Abraham Lincoln to commit themselves to the enduring struggle for justice and equality in America.

"Elijah’s Call: An Oratorio for an Abolitionist" was born from Allison Lovejoy’s response to the tragic killing of George Floyd and the ensuing wave of racial justice protests. The piece aims to reignite the spirit of unity and advocacy for social change. A distant relative of Elijah Lovejy Allison channels her ancestral connection into a work that bridges past and present inviting audiences to reflect on and engage in the ongoing quest for civil rights.

The world premiere of “Elijah’s Call” will feature renowned civil rights activist and attorney Walter Riley as narrator with acclaimed vocalists Michael Desnoyers (Tenor) Melinda Martinez-Becker (Mezzo-Soprano) and Bradley Kynard (Bass) bringing the oratorio’s poignant arias to life. Under the baton of Golden Gate Symphony Orchestra & Chorus’ Music Director Urs Leonhardt Steiner the evening promises to be a transformative experience.

The program will also feature “Symphony No. 4” by Florence Price (1887-1953). The piece premiered on June 15 1933 at the Chicago World’s Fair and was the first performance of a symphony written by an African American woman ever to be performed by a major symphony orchestra. The evening will also feature a moving performance by the Men’s Choir from Acts Full Gospel Church of God in Christ in Oakland directed by Chris Poston who will present a selection of African American spirituals enriching the concert with today’s soulful echoes of tradition and resilience.

Tickets available online or at the door with discounts for seniors and students under 18. 

Two pre-concert panel discussions will also explore “Elijah’s Call” featuring musical excerpts and composer Allison Lovejoy librettist Gary Kamiya and music director Urs Leonhardt Steiner discussing the process of researching composing and premiering the piece and the social impact of activists like Elijah Parish Lovejoy.

Pre-concert panel discussions are free and open to the public

Saturday October 19 - 3pm

Project Artaud Salon Series

Sculpture Studio 

401 Alabama Street SF 

Wednesday October 30 - 6pm 

SF Public Library Main Branch

Koret Auditorium

100 Larkin Street SF

Research and composition of "Elijah’s Call: An Oratorio for an Abolitionist" funded by an SF Arts Commission Individual Artist Grant.

Host or Publisher Golden Gate Symphony Orchestra and Chorus