An afternoon of iconic anthems of struggle and revolution through history, commissioned by and for The King’s Singers, who have become one of the most frequent guests in Koerner Hall’s 12 seasons. 

Singing together binds us together. From the Protestant Reformation in Europe during the 1500s to the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, there have been countless moments in history when songs have united nations, cultures, and causes. This is still the case in today’s world.

Finding Harmony is evidence that music has always been our common language. A unique collection of pieces that span the globe – including music that is too often forgotten – each song is the key to a powerful true story about who we are and how we got here. Together, Finding Harmony proves how deeply we can be moved by all kinds of stories when songs connect us to them, to each other, and to the places we come from.

Program:

I have a dream

Mahalia Jackson: If I Can Help Somebody (arr: Stacey V. Gibbs)

Harry Dixon Loes: This Little Light of Mine (arr. Stacey V. Gibbs)

U2: M. L. K. (arr. Bob Chilcott)

The Singing Revolution

Urmas Sisask: Heliseb väljadel

Gustav Ernesaks: Mu isamaa on minu arm

Veljo Tormis: Pärismäälase lauluke

The Many Sounds of Georgia

King Demetrius I of Georgia: Shen khar venakhi

Traditional: Tsintskaro

Traditional: Shemokmedura

Lost Songs of the Highlands

Traditional: Loch Lomond (arr. David Overton)

John Víkingur: Chí mi na mórbheanna (arr. James MacMillan)

Traditional: Puirt a’ bheul: Amadan gorach - Tha Flonnlagh - Chuirinn Air (arr. Daryl Runswick)

The Musical Reformation

Martin Luther and Johann Sebastian Bach: Ein feste Burg

William Byrd: Civitas sancti tui

Thomas Tallis: God, Grant With Grace

Spear of the Nation

Traditional: Medley of South African Freedom Songs (arr. Neo Muyanga)

The people left behind

Leyb Yampolsky: S’Dremlen feygl (arr. Toby Young)

In our time

A selection of pieces that show how music continues to unite societies in some of the struggles of today’s world

This concert was originally scheduled for Sunday, February 21, 2021.