CLASSICS: Together In Song

Part of the Brown-Forman Foundation Classics Series

Join us as we explore the music of praise and faith with a selection of works by Jewish composers and gospel arrangements performed by the St. Stephen Temple Choir! This event will be an enchanting evening of musical diversity and virtuosity as we present a captivating program that transcends genres and showcases the talents of renowned artists. This program was made in collaboration with Jason Clayborn, St. Stephen Mass Choir, David Krakauer, Anthony Russell, and Dmitri Gaskin.

The program kicks off with selections from Aaron Copland’s “Music for the Theatre,” setting the stage for an unforgettable journey through musical landscapes. Traditional hymns take center stage with “Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow,” beautifully arranged by Wilson, and performed by the St. Stephen Church Choir.

Prepare to be moved by the soulful rendition of “Stranger,” arranged by Gaskin, featuring the mesmerizing vocals of Anthony Russell and the accordion artistry of Dmitri Gaskin. World-renowned clarinetist David Krakauer takes the spotlight in “Concerto: The Fretless Clarinet,” with the enchanting movement “Ancestral Grooves.”

Soprano Angela Brown will grace us with her powerful voice in “I Am Moses, The Liberator,” composed by Nkeiru Okoye (Louisville Orchestra 2023-2024 Creator Corps), while Krakauer, Russell, and Gaskin join forces for the exhilarating “Der Heyser Bulgar (a la Abraham Inc),” orchestrated by Ritchie. The journey continues with “Four Black American Dances” by Simon, followed by the innovative “Moskowitz Remix” featuring David Krakauer, Fred Wesley on trombone, and loops by SoCalled.

The evening continues to resonate with the moving performance of “In Der Fremd,” arranged by Wilson, and performed by Anthony Russell, Dmitri Gaskin, and a stellar ensemble. The St. Stephen Church Choir takes us on a spiritual voyage with “Procession of Levites/Anthem of Praise” and “Zion,” both arranged by Wilson.

Jason Clayborn’s soul-stirring vocals will captivate your heart in “You’re All I Need,” arranged by Wilson. The program concludes with the evocative “Rosie” and the heartfelt “Done Made My Vow,” arranged by Gaskin and featuring the exceptional talents of David Krakauer, Anthony Russell, Dmitri Gaskin, and the St. Stephen Church Choir.

Prepare to be entranced by this mesmerizing blend of classical, spiritual, and contemporary compositions, performed by world-class musicians. Join us for an unforgettable evening that transcends boundaries and celebrates the power of music to unite and inspire.

Teddy Abrams, conductor • David Krakauer, klezmer clarinet
Fred Wesley, trombone • SoCalled, Loops •  Dmitri Gaskin, accordion
Anthony Russell, vocals • Angela Brown, soprano
St. Stephen Mass Choir • Kevin James, Choir Director • Jason Clayborn, vocals

Concert Program:

COPLAND  Music for the Theatre (selections)
Trad., arr WILSON  Praise God from Whom All Blessings Flow
GASKIN/RUSSELL   Stranger (Arr. Gaskin)
KRAKAUER/TAGG  Concerto: The Fretless Clarinet (III. Ancestral Grooves)
OKOYE  “I am Moses, the Liberator” from Songs of Harriet Tubman
Trad., arr. Krakauer  Der Heyser Bulgar (a la Abraham Inc) (Orch. Ritchie)
SIMON  Four Black American Dances (two movements)
Wesley, Krakauer, Dolgin  Moskowitz Remix (arr. Wesley)
GASKIN/RUSSSELL  In Der Fremd (Arr. Wilson)
Smallwood  Procession of Levites/Anthem of Praise (Arr. Wilson)
GASKIN/RUSSELL  Zion (Arr. Wilson)
Clayborn  You’re All I Need (Arr. Wilson)
GASKIN/RUSSELL   Rosie
GASKIN/RUSSELL/WILSON   Done Made My Vow (arr. Gaskin)

With significant support from: