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Dessoff continues its mission to perform rarely heard choral masterpieces with the world premiere of Margaret Bonds’ Credo. Portions of the work were performed in 1972 just four weeks after the composer’s untimely death. In the mid-1960s, Bonds focused her attention on the writings of W.E.B. Du Bois, another leader dedicated to African-American causes. Du Bois’ essay Credo (1913) so inspired Bonds that she immediately set out to compose the work. The seven movement piece was dedicated to the memories of poet Langston Hughes and singer-actress Abbie Mitchell. The text promotes unity and social equality and Bonds expertly portrays the sentiment with rich harmonies and exciting motifs. Dessoff is proud to finally share the orchestral version with the world.
Simon Bore the Cross, an Easter cantata, is another rarely performed work of Bonds and Langston Hughes. Like Ballad of the Brown King, the Christmas cantata, the protagonist is a black man, whose life was a role model for helping lift the lives of others. By performing and recording both these overlooked works, we will shine a light on Bonds' neglected but significant contribution to the American music canon.
PROGRAM:
I BELIEVE: CREDO (New York premiere) - Margaret Bonds (1913-1972)
Simon Bore the Cross - Margaret Bonds
A note to our community regarding COVID-19
We are so excited to be able to welcome our audience back to in-person performances! The safety of our community is our number one priority and we have therefore implemented the following COVID-19 related safety protocols for all 21-22 Dessoff performances:
-Proof of vaccination is required for entry and will be confirmed at the door of the venue upon arrival, so please remember to bring your vaccination card or NY State Excelsior Pass.
-Temperatures will be checked for each audience member at the entry of the venue. Any audience member with a temperature higher than 100.1 will not be admitted.
-Masks are required for the entire duration of all Dessoff events for all members of the audience. Performers will not be masked.
-There will be no day-of in-person ticket sales. All tickets need to be purchased online, in advance of performance. Tickets will be available for purchase online until one hour before curtain.
There are absolutely NO exceptions to any of these rules.