Durham Symphony Presents: “We The People”: A Celebration of Artistic Freedom

The Durham Symphony opens its 50th season with a tribute to the constitutional freedom of speech in the U.S. and the power of artistic freedom throughout history. Nationally recognized gospel singer and performing historian Mary D. Williams (a native of Raleigh) will offer versions of traditional songs “We Shall Overcome” and “Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around.” Orchestral repertoire will include Morton Gould’s “Hymnal,” from American Ballads, Verdi’s Overture to Nabucco, and two movements from Bill Robinson’s Symphony No. 3: Protest Poems: “2. Father Stalin, Look at This” and 3. “Political Theology.” Also featured will be the internationally acclaimed work Elegy for Peace by composer (and soprano soloist) Mozhgan Chahian Boroojeni. Dr. Clara Yang (on the faculty at UNC-Chapel Hill) will perform Dmitri Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 2, which the composer wrote for his son, Maxim Shostakovich.