V22

Saturday | 09.03.2019

4 p.m., Concert in the
Marienkirche Dessau

We Praise the Lord
Songs from Afro-American history

Music by J. J. Hairston, Leontyne Price as well as gospels and African-American spirituals
Tenor: Ray M. Wade, Jr.
Piano: GMD Markus L. Frank

For Kurt Weill, the traditional music of African-Americans was an important source of inspiration. Indeed he used their spirituals and gospels as the basis for his musical Lost in the Stars. This genre is also a valuable cultural asset for the Texan Ray M. Wade, a member of the Anhaltisches Theater Dessau ensemble.

Together with Markus L. Frank, principal conductor of the Anhaltische Philharmonic Orchestra, the tenor tells of the oppression, slavery, faith and pain of African-Americans.