PostClassical Ensemble: Amazing Grace – In Paradisum

• Annie Jacobs-Perkins, cello
• Katerina Burton, soprano
• Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) Chorale
• Andre Leonard, piano
• Angel Gil-Ordóñez, conductor

Traditional — Amazing Grace
George Walker — O Praise the Lord
George Walker — Stars
George Walker — Lyric for Strings
Jeffrey Mumford — of radiances blossoming in expanding air (DC premiere; Annie Jacobs-Perkins, cello)
Gustav Mahler — Symphony No. 4 in G major ("IV. Sehr behaglich")
Gabriel Fauré — Requiem in D minor, Op. 48 ("VII. In Paradisum")
Luciano Berio — O King
Margaret Bonds — Credo ("Aria")
Jeffrey Mumford — let us breathe
Traditional — Amazing Grace (arr. Evelyn Simpson Curenton)

PCE's seasonal favorite returns with a stirring program for chorale and orchestra that celebrates the universal expression of the human spirit through music. Amazing Grace, perhaps the most universal of folk hymns, has inspired people all around the world for centuries. This new year, we feature works by George Walker, Gustav Mahler, Margaret Bonds, Luciano Berio, and the DC premiere of Jeffrey Mumford's extraordinary cello concerto with soloist Annie Jacobs-Perkins, winner of the 2023 Pierre Fournier Award. As a special tribute, PCE will present Mr. Mumford with PCE's American Roots Artist Award for his outstanding contributions to American music. Bring the family, and join us in singing Amazing Grace with the whole ensemble at the end of the evening.

About PostClassical Ensemble

Under the leadership of Music Director Ángel Gil-Ordóñez, PostClassical Ensemble (PCE) takes the listener on a musical journey for the heart and mind. Through depth of interpretation and skillful execution, and with an ensemble of the most distinguished musicians in the area, the music comes alive with vibrancy and richness of expression.

Founded in 2003 by Angel Gil-Ordóñez and music historian Joseph Horowitz, PCE has been a pioneer in transforming the concert experience through innovative programming and with collaborations across artistic mediums. Their humanities-infused programming tells stories— exploring music in its cultural and historical context, and it often integrates theater, dance, film, and visual art, as well as folk, indigenous, and popular music and instruments.

https://www.postclassical.com/

About Annie Jacobs-Perkins, cello

https://www.anniejacobs-perkins.com/

About Katerina Burton, soprano

http://katerinaburtonsoprano.com/

About Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) Chorale

The CAAPA Chorale is the musical entity of the Coalition for African Americans in the Performing Arts (CAAPA) performing as the elite vocal ensemble, showcasing a variety of exciting genre, with a focus on classical music. CAAPA Chorale was founded during the pandemic in 2020, the chorale strives for excellence while honoring the legacy of the African Diaspora juxtaposed with the tradition of the European art form. Under the direction of Music Director Greg Watkins, to help in "Bringing Color to the Classics" by "Singing Color in the Classics!" the chorale enjoys partnering and collaborating in projects. Additional CAAPA ensembles include the CAAPA Chamber Ensemble and the CAAPA Jazz Ensemble.

To contact the ensembles or Chorale, email info@4caapa.org with "Chorale" in the subject line.

https://4caapa.org/caapa-chorale.html

About Andre Leonard, piano

Andre Leonard, an extremely versatile and accomplished musician, is the Director of Worship and Fine Arts at Shepherd Park Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in northwest Washington, D.C. Since taking on this role in 2014, his professionalism and passion for music has sparked renewed enthusiasm in not only the various church choirs and musicians, but also in the members of the congregation.

About Angel Gil-Ordóñez, conductor

https://www.gilordonez.com/