Sunday, Apr 22, 2012
Modern works from the African-American tradition.
by Anne Sears
The Westminster Jubilee Singers, conducted by Taione Martinez, will present “Dreams of a Bright New Day: Modern Works of the African-American Tradition” on Sunday, April 22, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. in Bristol Chapel on the campus of Westminster Choir College of Rider University in Princeton, N.J.
They will be joined by pianist M. Roger Holland, tenor Jason Dungee, bassist Charles Brown, saxophonist Vincent Fossitt and drummer Anthony Miller.
The program will include an exploration of the modern works by African-American composers, including Roland Carter, Stacey Gibbs, James Furman, Robert Wooten, Sr., Adolphus Hailstork, and many more.
Taione K. Martinez is an active music educator, conductor and organist specializing in works in the African American tradition. A member of Westminster’s Sacred Music faculty, he serves as the conductor of the Westminster Jubilee Singers. Additionally, he is director of music and organist at Queen of All Saints Roman Catholic Church in Brooklyn, N.Y. Mr. Martinez earned his bachelor’s degree at Hampton University and continued his music studies at the Eastman School of Music and the Juilliard School.
The Westminster Jubilee Singers is an intimate ensemble composed of students who are selected by audition. It is modeled after the historically acclaimed Fisk Jubilee Singers, and its repertoire, while specialized and select, is very diverse and focuses on solo and ensemble artistic expressions from its singers. Part of the college’s Sacred Music department, the ensemble performs literature that includes African-American spirituals and folk songs; classical music by African-American composers; African chants and dances; and gospel music and secular songs.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for students/seniors. To order tickets call 609-921-2663 or order online at www.rider.edu/arts. Westminster choir College of Rider University is located at 101 Walnut Lane in Princeton, N.J.