Composer Hannibal Lokumbe continues to take his music into the city's communities on June 15th, 16th, and 17th, highlighting the roles music can play in fostering forgiveness and healing. This is his second extended visit to Philadelphia, as part of his three-year, composer-in-residency with The Philadelphia Orchestra.
Hannibal has developed a series of public events over three days, during which a new composition will be premiered. It honors the nine people killed in 2015 at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston. He is joined in this with artist Steve Prince, who has created artwork depicting the nine victims as saints.
In Part 1, Hannibal took his string quartets about Fannie Lou Hamer and Anne Frank to a local prison, an elementary school, two museums ,and a community center for homeless people. Hear his plans for the project and his reflections after the concerts.
June Events:
The Unveiling of the Saints
Presented by Painted Bride Art Center
Thursday, June 15, 6 PM
Painted Bride | 230 Vine Street, Philadelphia
Join artist Steve Prince and Hannibal Lokumbe for a multi-faceted conversation and performance unveiling Mr. Prince’s artwork depicting the nine victims as saints. Admission is pay what you wish; tickets available at tickets.paintedbride.org.
Remembering Birmingham: Civil Rights and Constitutional Change
Presented by the National Constitution Center
Friday, June 16, 12 PM National Constitution Center | 525 Arch Street, Philadelphia
Join Birmingham bombing survivor Sarah Collins Rudolph and Washington Post editor and author of Kennedy and King Steve Levingston as they discuss how the Birmingham Church Bombing impacted the meaning of “equality” in America and how local events can bring about constitutional change. A special performance by Hannibal Lokumbe will precede the discussion. Free tickets are available at constitutioncenter.org/debate.
Crucifixion Resurrection: Nine Souls a Traveling
Presented by The Philadelphia Orchestra
Saturday, June 17, 7 PM
Mother Bethel AME Church | 419 S. 6th Street, Philadelphia
In honor of the Charleston Nine, this work for jazz trio, jazz trumpet, solo violin, vocalists (Janice Chandler-Eteme, Tiffany Godette, and Rodrick Dixon), narrators, and choir speaks to the sacredness of all life, the beauty of forgiveness, and the reconciliation necessary for healing common to all people. Everyone is invited to join in a Walk of Love from Weccacoe Park, the historic site of the Mother Bethel Burial Ground dating back to 1810, to Mother Bethel Church prior to the concert, beginning at 6 PM. Visit philorch.org for details and FREE tickets.