About this Event
EXPANDING THE AMERICAN SCORE
ENCORE! Free At Last? The Evolution of the American Spiritual
It was a hit — so we’re bringing it back, bigger. Free At Last? returns for an expanded Juneteenth encore with Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole.
ABOUT THIS CONCERT
You asked for it. We are bringing it back — bigger.
Following the extraordinary response to Free At Last? The Evolution of the American Spiritual, the Ritz Chamber Players closes its Silver Jubilee Season with an expanded ENCORE presentation of the work that has become one of the most powerful expressions of RCP’s mission.
With Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole as narrator, Free At Last? traces the spiritual from sacred memory and survival through the Black church, the concert tradition, and the Freedom Movement — revealing a musical inheritance that has shaped not only Black history, but the sound and conscience of America.
For this Juneteenth finale, the touring presentation grows on RCP’s home stage, bringing together a larger company and the full force of the Silver Jubilee celebration.
After twenty-five years of Expanding the Stage, the season ends with RCP’s boldest affirmation:
The story of American music cannot be fully told without the voices of the African diaspora.
PROGRAM
ENCORE: Free At Last? The Evolution of the American Spiritual
The Silver Jubilee Expanded Edition
Narrator: Dr. Johnnetta Betsch Cole
Final repertoire, guest artists, and expanded instrumentation to be announced.
Event venue & nearby stays
Terry Concert Hall, Jacksonville University, 2800 University Blvd N, Jacksonville, United States
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