Making Music That Matters Since 1941
FROM THE PODIUM
Bryen Warfield
Orchestral Conductor/
Co-producer
On behalf of the musicians of the Philharmonic Orchestra of Indianapolis and Symphonic Praise Choir, I welcome you to the 28th Annual Gospel Concert. In programming this year’s concert, we sought a way to celebrate a specific aspect of Black culture, and there is no better way than to highlight the ‘Black Church Experience’.
The church has been an integral part of Black society since Africans arrived on the shores of the US in the 1600s. Many of the traditions and customs you see in today’s church service have been carried from generation to generation. The repertoire chosen for today’s concert reflects that history and evolution.
We begin this year’s concert by honoring the late Richard Smallwood’s Procession of the Levites & Anthem of Praise. This song is quite unique, combining Smallwood’s love for symphonic classical music with the gospel tradition.
Next, we present Roland M. Carter’s arrangement of Lift Every Voice and Sing. There is no better way to celebrate Black culture than the singing of the “Black National Anthem”. After this, the Symphonic Praise Choir sings another arrangement by Carter titled In Bright Mansions. We will then conclude the
first half with one of Jonathan Nelson’s gospel hits, My Hope and gospel legend Daryl Coley’s powerful God and God Alone featuring soloist Bryson Robinson.
In the second half, we feature the Philharmonic Orchestra with Omar Thomas’ piece, Come Sunday. The composer writes:
CJ Warfield
Choral Conductor/
Co-Producer
Come Sunday is a two-movement tribute to the Hammond organ’s central role in black worship services. The first movement, Testimony, follows the Hammond organ as it readies the congregation’s hearts, minds, and spirits to receive The Word via a magical union of Bach, blues, jazz, and R&B. The second movement, Shout!, is a virtuosic celebration - the frenzied and joyous climactic moments when The Spirit has taken over the service.
The title is a direct nod to Duke Ellington, who held an inspired love for classical music and allowed it to influence his own work in a multitude of ways. To all the black musicians in wind ensemble who were given opportunity after opportunity to celebrate everyone else’s music but our own - I see you and I am you. This one’s for the culture!
Following this, we bring the music of Donald Lawrence to the stage by singing The Word of the Lord. This song highlights the scripture readings and how God shows up in our lives through the bible. Next, we present Todd Dulaney’s Proverbs 3 to the stage, followed by Richard Smallwood’s Praise Waiteth. We conclude our 28th Symphonic Praise concert with Fred Hammond’s The Lord is Good.
Whether this is your first concert or you are recurring patron with the Philharmonic, a fan of gospel music, or come to experience something new, there is something in this concert for you. We hope you enjoy the range of musical styles from various generations, and appreciate the many aspects that make the ‘Black Church Experience’ so special.
We hope that you not only enjoy this year’s concert but also leave with a sense of joy and happiness, feeling uplifted as you journey through the rest of the day, week, months, and years ahead. Thank you for being part of this memorable occasion!
Bryen Warfield
Orchestra Conductor