To America: A Live Performance in Green-Wood Cemetery
The Harlem Chamber Players
Originally Aired: Friday, October 30, 2020
How would you have us, as we are?
Or sinking ‘neath the load we bear?
– James Weldon Johnson, To America
Join us in Brooklyn’s historic Green-Wood Cemetery for a night of performance inspired by the poetry of James Weldon Johnson, who is buried at Green-Wood and best known for his anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” Curated by Death of Classical and Green-Wood, it will blend music, history, literature, and dance into a single sweeping, shuddering cry into the night.
Featuring poetry by Weldon Johnson, Langston Hughes and Terrance Hayes; stories from the lives of Margaret Pine, the last enslaved person in New York State, a young drummer boy killed in the Civil War, former NY Governor DeWitt Clinton, and others; and music by The Harlem Chamber Players, violinist Lady Jess, singers Danielle Buonaiuto, Freddie June, Paul Grosvenor and many more talented souls. It is a lament, a love song, a prayer, and a plea to America in a time of deep uncertainty, in remembrance of all that this nation has been, and all that it can be.
Join us after the performance for a discussion about the creation of “To America” with Liz Player, Executive Director and Artistic Director of The Harlem Chamber Players and Death of Classical Founder and General & Artistic Director Andrew Ousley. Hosted by WQXR’s James Bennett.
PROGRAM
Historic Chapel
Dedicated to those who have been murdered wrongfully by an oppressive power; namely Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner and Michael Brown.
Kenneth Overton, baritone & reader
Ashley Horne, violin
Claire Chan, violin
Amadi Azikiwe, viola
Wayne Smith, cello
DeWitt Monument
Paul Grosvenor, bass-baritone
Charlotte Canda Monument
Robert Burkhart, cello
Selina Hack, dancer
Margaret Pine
Jules Biber, cello
Danielle Buonaiuto, soprano
Freddie June, singer
Civil War Lot
Harlem Chamber Players Brass Quintet, led by Eric Davis
Dan Blankinship, trumpet.,Hugo Moreno, trumpet, Eric Davis, horn, Burt Mason, trombone, Marcus Rojas, tuba
David Beck, reader
Weeping Beech
Lady Jess, violin
Catacombs
Ivan Thompson, tenor & reader
Ashley Horne, violin
Claire Chan, violin
Amadi Azikiwe, viola
Wayne Smith, cello
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