Chorale to present concert Nov. 10

Press Release Date: 10-25-2011

DURANT, Okla. – The Southeastern Chorale, under the direction of Dr. Stacy Weger, will be featured in concert on Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. in the Fine Arts Recital Hall. The concert, titled "Changed My Name" looks at music regarding slavery in America, giving voice to African-Americans of the time as well as those who spoke out on their behalf.

Dr. Randy Prus, Chair of the English, Humanities and Language Department at Southeastern, will present a pre-concert lecture at 6:45 p.m. in the Fine Arts Recital Hall examining the topic of racial slavery. The lecture, a first for choral concerts on campus, is designed to give insight and perspective which will enrich the listening experience.

Music selections for the concert are quite diverse, spanning a wide range of spiritual styles. The concert will also include settings of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s Abolitionist poetry by Afro-British composer Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, and the gospel cantata “Changed My Name.” The cantata features Southeastern voice faculty Jeremy Blackwood, Sarah Griffiths, and Jammieca Mott. They will be joined by student vocalists Essie Jefferson, Logan Russell, and Aaron Williams in this work that examines the words and lives of Sojourner Truth and Harriet Tubman.

Written by Oklahoman Linda Twine, "Changed My Name" has received acclaim for numerous successful performances nationally. Twine has also been involved as a composer with the Harlem Boys Choir and with Broadway performances.

The cantata opens with "I Told Jesus It Would Be Alright If He Changed My Name." Dr. Robert McFadden and Debbie McComb will serve as accompanists for this concert. Dell McLain, Chair of Art, Communication and Theatre, will also be featured. Admission is free and open to the public. For more information please contact the Department of Music at 580-745-2088.