Download Traditions

Program Notes
The first piece in the program, Sorida, is not an actual song from Zimbabwe, but an original composition by Rosephanye Powell, who was born in Alabama and is an active composer today. However, it is certainly written in a choral style associ‐
ated with some African cultures. She writes: … I decided to research the possibility of arranging an African folksong. During my research, I came upon the word "SORIDA" which is an African greeting of brotherhood and unity. Additionally, I found an African children's song that plays on the syllables of the word "sorida". So, utilizing the syllables as a foundation (so‐ri‐da, ri‐da, ri‐da), the song developed. I composed my own lyrics, melody, and harmonies that might represent the meaning and far‐reaching scope of SORIDA . Traditions
Music from
African and American Cultures
Spring Music Service
May 17, 2009
The next three pieces are all arrangements of Spirituals from the African‐American tradition. Harry T. Burleigh (1866‐1949), the arranger of Ezekiel Saw the Wheel and My Lord, What Mornin’, is known as one of the pioneers for championing the American Spiritual and many of his vocal and choral arrange‐
ments are still popular today. The third Spiritual, Roll, Jordan, Roll, is by living composer and arranger, Brian Tate, Music Di‐
rector of the Universal Gospel Choir and lives in Vancouver. The final piece, Freedom Trilogy, was written by living American composer, Paul Halley, over ten years ago. It introduces music from three traditions, then, magically combines them to con‐
clude the piece. It starts with the 16th century Roman chant (Kyrie) from Missa de Angelis. It then moves to two South Afri‐
can songs, Haleluya! Pelo tsa rona and Siyahamba. (This sec‐
ond song is commonly associated with the South African move‐
ment for freedom from apartheid.) Then, our soloist, Judy Ben‐
nett, introduces the well‐known hymn, Amazing Grace, accom‐
panied with jazz rhythms and harmonies. The piece then joy‐
fully concludes with the combination of Amazing Grace, Hale‐
luya! Pelo tsa rona, and the chant from Missa de Angelis. The River Road Choir
Dr. Clifton Hardin, Music Director
Adelaide Edelson, Accompanist
The River Road Choir
Dr. Clifton Hardin, Music Director
Adelaide Edelson, Accompanist
*****
Sopranos Laura Bradford Marilyn Cullison Jan Elicker Louisa Glor Devra Glowinski Lynn Gregory Kelly Hardin Elaine Johnson Melissa Mandell Victoria Matthews Lisa Moore Susan Okie Debby Peck Linda Ryden Carol Sade Jeanne Wolfe Altos Jane Baluss Elizabeth Buie Joy Dale Ann Faegre Diana Gilpatrick Elke Jordan Jana Kirkman Alda Mandell Mimi Mattis Anne Starbird Sally Watts Carlie Williams Linda Winter Tenors Eric Axelrod Jeff Butvinik Collins Mikesell Nancy Nelson David Odette Basses Steve Charles Tom Cullison Dwight Cramer Bill Dale Gregg Grisa Brock Holmes Leon Paparella Larry Ponsford Joe Saliunas Walter Weiss Allan Williams Freedom Trilogy
Text and Translations
***** Kyrie From Missa de Angelis – 16th century Kyrie eleison Christe eleison Kyrie eleison Lord have mercy Christ have mercy Lord have mercy Haleluya! Pelo tsa rona South African Haleluya! Pelo tsa rona, di thabile kaofela. Ke Morena Jeso, ya re dumeletseng, Ya re dumeletseng ho tsamaisa evangedi. Halleluya! We sing your praises, all our hearts are filled with gladness. Christ the lord to us said” I am wine, I am bread, give to all who thirst and hunger. Siyahamba South African Freedom Song Siya hamb’ ekukhanyen’ kwenkos. We are marching in the light of God. Amazing Grace Words by John Newton Tune from Virginia Harmony Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost but now am found, Was blind but now I see.