For tickets, please visit: Brown Paper Tickets.
The current state of affairs has prompted many discussions across our nation and our world. Many differing opinions concerning equality have made themselves apparent over the course of the past year. During times of stark contradiction, sometimes we forget to turn our energy into positive action. This spring, the Philadelphia Voices of Pride (PVOP) is excited to present Freedom's Cry, a concert of songs centered on justice, freedom, and peace. With music ranging from classical to contemporary, PVOP will celebrate and examine the freedom we hold so dear.
Pieces include a beautiful African-American spiritual arranged by Seraphic Fire titled “Steal Away.” In addition, from Queer as Folk fame, Heather Small's inspirational call-to-action song “Proud” will also be performed. In a slightly more classical direction, Giedrius Svilainis' “Vox Populi” reflects the concert's theme as the title itself translates to “the voice of the people is the voice of God.”
Other songs to look forward to include Stephen Sondheim's moving “Children Will Listen” from the Broadway hit Into the Woods, Simon and Garfunkle's “The Sound of Silence,” Nina Simone's famous and soulful “I Wish I Knew How to be Free,” and Sweet Honey in the Rock's “Ella's Song.” In fact, “Ella's Song” has a relevant and powerful refrain that is deeply reflective of the concert’s message: “We who believe in Freedom cannot rest until it comes.”
Each piece for this concert was carefully listened to and evaluated by PVOP's music committee. Prior to the final selection of songs for this concert, Artistic Director Daniel Schwartz, who oversees the music committee, stated he wanted to present a concert that pushes boundaries.
“I would like songs that make people think, maybe songs people have never heard before. Songs that move people, if only a tiny bit, to search for justice in the world. In my search for repertoire, I have unearthed some songs that are new to me and truly beautiful,” Schwartz said.
Freedom's Cry will be performed Saturday, May 20th, at 8pm at Trinity Center for Urban life (2212 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103). Tickets may be purchased at the door or online at Brown Paper Tickets.