Black Religious Music and the American Experience (Norfolk)

NOTE: This is the information and registration for a pre-concert panel discussion that is FREE and open to the public. If you would like to attend the concert as well, tickets may be purchased here. Registration for the pre-concert talk is included in the concert ticket, and you do not also need to register for the talk separately.

In alignment with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra’s core values of artistic excellence, inclusion, and purposeful community engagement, this dynamic pre-concert panel discussion will enrich the world premiere of the newly commissioned orchestral work, I wouldn’t stop there: in the words of a KING,+ by Curtis Stewart. This new work is grounded in the Black American experience and features the Virginia Symphony Orchestra and vocalists from Norfolk State University. 

This discussion will trace the evolution and impact of Black religious music from slavery to the modern day—celebrating it not only as a profound artistic tradition, but also as an oral history and vital expression of resilience, identity, belonging, and community. 

Panelists:

• Barbara Hamm Lee, moderator

• Curtis Stewart, composer & violinist  

• Eric Jacobsen, Music Director, VSO 

• Dr. Harlan Zackery, Director of Choral Activities, NSU 

• Dr. Cassandra Newby Alexander, Professor of History & Endowed Professor of Virginia Black History and Culture, NSU 

• Dr. Antipas Harris, Founding President & CEO, Urban Renewal Center 

• Rev. Dr. Geoffrey Guns, Senior Pastor, Second Calvary Baptist 

This Event is FREE, But Tickets are Required for Entry.