Harlem Opera Theater will celebrate the life and works of Harry T. Burleigh, baritone, arranger and composer of over two hundred art songs. While a student at the National Conservatory of Music in New York, he became a friend of director/composer Antonín Dvořák and influenced his work, Symphony from the New World; in 1894; Dvorák called Go Down Moses, as great a melody as any Beethoven wrote and encouraged Burleigh to write out and sing these songs. H.T. Burleigh became a soloist for over 50 years at the St. George’s Episcopal Church in New York City; from 1900 to 1925, Burleigh was also a member of the synagogue choir at the Temple Emanu-El in New York, the only African-American to sing there. Paul Robeson listed Burleigh as one of his singing mentors. Through his performances, original compositions and arrangements of spirituals, Burleigh helped establish American folk music in the concert hall and became the first black American composer to gain international prominence; also first to have his music recorded. In 1914, he was a founding member of the American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP), and received a seat on its board of directors in 1941. Hear fine classical voices bring Harry T. Burleigh’s outstanding art songs and spirituals to life. Cast: Dr. Gregory Hopkins, Artistic Director, on piano (photo) Jasmen Reyes, soprano, Crystal Charles, mezzo-soprano, Everett Suttle, tenor. Nathaniel E. Thompson, bass-baritone.
General Admission – $25. | Seniors and Students – $20. | Groups of 6 or more – $15.