The Cathedral Arts Series at Trinity (CAST ) and On Demand Programs and Events! are proud to partner in presenting the world premiere of new concert work, Lord, Write My Name, From Slavery to Freedom, on Sunday, September 25th, at 2 PM.
Nationally recognized Baritone Vocalist Keith Spencer and award-winning composer, pianist, and arranger Peter Hilliard have teamed up to create this unique musical tapestry of African American Spirituals.
A harmonious blend of African American Spirituals is interspersed with narratives, poetry, and letters penned by freed slaves and iconic Black figures throughout history. It explores the plight of those enslaved mourning in servitude, the redemptive story of the Gospel, and ultimately, their claimed identity as freed people.
Well-known spirituals performed by Spencer, include: “Deep River,” “My Good Lord’s Done Been Here,” “Nobody knows the Trouble I Seen,” “Steal Away,” and several others brilliantly arranged and played by Hilliard for the first time in public.
“It is an honor to present this concert which shares the significance and influence of the Gospel on people who had so little else to hold on to. Slaveowners intended to use the Bible to control and coerce. Instead, within Scripture, slaves found hope and freedom of their own that couldn’t be beaten or taken from them. We see the result in the beauty and messaging of these expressive spirituals” Spencer said.
Natalie Kaye, President of On Demand, added, “I am thrilled to present this one-of-a-kind event spotlighting such an important and yet untold portion of American history. I can think of no one more capable to put this program together than the outstanding talents of Keith Spencer and Peter Hilliard.”
Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Trinity Cathedral, a church in the worldwide Anglican Communion, is a vibrant faith-infused community. Trinity Cathedral has a threefold function – to serve its members as a Parish Church, to serve the Diocese of New Jersey as its Cathedral, and to serve the City of Trenton as a center of help and hope to everyone, but especially those who live on the margins. We are a resource to the wider community, promoting a range of outreach ministries to the city of Trenton and beyond.
“We are thrilled to host this special world premiere concert event at the Cathedral as our inaugural concert event. We look forward to working with On Demand in the future to bring additional concerts to our Cathedral,” said Bobbie Powell, chair of the Cathedral Arts Series at Trinity.
For more info visit: https://www.trinitycathedralnj.org/. Proceeds from the performance will benefit the outreach activities of the Cathedral, including its food pantry, the Urban Promise Afterschool Program, and the Trenton Area Soup Kitchen (TASK) satellite unit housed at Trinity.
On-Demand Programs and Events On Demand’s mission is to create inspiring programs that enrich our lives and promote positive change. On-Demand! is truly a full-service entertainment agency, providing marketing, publicity, and logistical support to its artists and clients. For more info visit: www.ondemandprogramsandevents.com.
Tickets are available online at: bitly/writemyname-trinity or by calling 609-392-3805 x 100. Tickets levels range from $30-$40-$50 and group rates are available. Trinity Cathedral is located at 801 West State Street in Trenton.
