GIVE BIRTH TO THE DREAM
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23
7:30PM
LexPhil is deeply saddened by the devastation left by Hurricane Helene in the Appalachian region and surrounding areas. In an effort to help our neighbors, LexPhil will donate $1 of each ticket sold for our October and November concerts to the Appalachian Helene Response Fund through the Appalachia Funders Network. Additionally, the Lexington Philharmonic Board of Directors has graciously agreed to match our donation from Give Birth to the Dream on November 23 by 100%. Learn more about the Appalachian Helene Response Fund here.
PROGRAM
MARY D. WATKINS - Five Movements in Color
DOLORES WHITE - Give Birth to the Dream
INTERMISSION
SERGEI RACHMANINOFF - Piano Concerto No. 2
ARTISTS
Mélisse Brunet, conductor
Angelique Clay, soprano
Claudia Love Mair, poet
Michelle Cann, piano
Michelle Cann appears by arrangement with the Curtis Institute of Music.
VENUE
Singletary Center for the Arts
DURATION
1.5 Hours
ABOUT THE MUSIC
Encompassing different musical styles and genres from the African diaspora, Mary D. Watkins describes her Five Movements in Color as an “epochal painting or poem about our journey as a [Black] people in [the United States].” The heart wrenchingly beautiful second movement, Soul of Remembrance, was featured on LexPhil’s 2023/24 season finale concert.
Dolores White’s Give Birth to the Dream incorporates the poignant and hopeful verses of Maya Angelou's poem, On the Pulse of Morning, featuring narration and soprano soloist, Angelique Clay.
The monumental Piano Concerto No. 2 by Sergei Rachmaninoff, featuring acclaimed pianist Michelle Cann, is a pinnacle of the repertoire for both soloist and orchestra. The measured and reverential piano chords in the opening gradually intensify and escalate throughout the three movements, culminating in an exalted ending that showcases the rhapsodic theme, marking this composition as an emotional odyssey.
Give Birth to the Dream is sponsored by John & Margaret Wharton on behalf of the Rotary Club of Lexington.
THE ARTISTS
ANGELIQUE CLAY
CLAUDIA LOVE MAIR
MICHELLE CANN
INSIDE THE SCORE
Join us prior to Give Birth to the Dream for a free pre-concert lecture with Music Director Mélisse Brunet and guest artists for an exclusive, in-depth look Inside the Score! The talk begins at 6:30PM in the Presidents Room prior to the concert. Seating is limited, so arrive early!
Presented by The Glenview Trust Company
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