The Ordering of Moses concert

The Keene Chorale to perform New England premiere of important choral work On May 1, 2022, The Keene Chorale, under the direction of Cailin Marcel Manson, will present the rarely heard oratorio The Ordering of Moses by R. Nathaniel Dett. Mr. Dett (1882-1943), a noted black Canadian-American composer, used spirituals and gospel songs as his inspiration for this work which tells of the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. The Chorale will be joined by the New England Repertory Orchestra, the Clark University Chamber Choir, and nationally recognized African-American soloists Maria Clark, soprano, Crystal Charles, mezzo soprano, Albert Lee, tenor, and Richard Lindsey, baritone. The Chorale hopes that this project will draw together all the threads that have occupied the public consciousness over the last year: the exodus from the shadow of COVID-19 into the coming "new normal," the increased attention to social and racial justice and equity, and a celebration of the gathering of community around the joy of live music. Per Maestro Manson “Dett’s work is an emotional story that The Chorale is excited to bring to the region. The oratorio is scored for a full orchestra that creates a theatrical backdrop for the spiritual songs and melodies used. The audience is going to love this work”. This performance of The Ordering of Moses is funded in part by a 2021 Alfred Nash Patterson grant from Choral Arts New England, as well as grants from The NH Charitable Foundation’s Putnam Foundation, and The Frederick Smyth Institute of Music. The performance will take place at 2:00 PM, Sunday May 1, in the Keene High School Auditorium. Tickets are available online at Brown Paper Tickets, at the Toadstool Bookshop at 12 Emerald Street in Keene, from Chorale members, and at the door. Tickets are $25-Adults, $22-Senior or Veteran, $10-Student (under 18) or Child. For Group rates and more information, call Betty Forrest at 603-357-1534. Audience members should come prepared with mask and valid proof of vaccination. Press Contact: Suzanne Coble (suzanne.coble@gmail.com) www.keenechorale.org