The first Jubilee Singers set out from Nashville’s Fisk University in 1871 to share choral arrangements of the songs of perseverance their parents and grandparents sang to endure the hardships of slavery. Now, nearly 150 years later, the 16-voice Fisk Jubilee Singers keep this rich tradition alive, performing these spirituals for a new generation.
This season the Fisk Jubilee Singers, recipients of a 2008 National Medal of the Arts, bring their musical tradition to Durham. Their weeklong residency at both Duke and the Durham School of the Arts culminates with a celebratory community concert featuring the Fisk Jubilee Singers joined on select spirituals by the DSA choir.
RESIDENCY EVENTS
Thursday, October 17
12:30 pm | Forum for Scholars and Publics (011 Old Chemistry Building, Duke West Campus)
Public Conversation: “The Fisk Jubilee Singers and the History of Afro-Atlantic Music”
with moderator Dr. Laurent Dubois (Marcello Lotti Professor of Romance Studies and History, Duke University)
Dr. Paul T. Kwami (Music Director, Fisk Jubilee Singers)
Dean of Duke Chapel Rev. Dr. Luke Powery
Dr. Maurice Jackson (Associate Professor of History and African-American Studies, Georgetown University)
Light lunch will be served.
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Thursday, October 17
5:15 pm | Duke Chapel
Choral Vespers Worship Service: Duke Vespers
Guest Conductor: Dr. Paul T. Kwami (Music Director, Fisk Jubilee Singers)
Duke Vespers Music Director: Brian Schmidt
Guest Soloist: Dean of Duke Chapel Rev. Dr. Luke Powery
Traditional
(Arr. William L. Dawson): Ain’t That Good News
(Arr. John W. Work III): Our Father
(Arr. J.W. Work III): Done Made My Vow
(Arr. Hall Johnson): When I Was Sinkin’ Down
(Arr. H. Johnson): Honor! Honor!
(Arr. Gene Bartlett): Here’s One
(Arr. J.W. Work III): I’ve Been In the Storm
(Arr. Moses Hogan): Cert’nly Lawd
(Arr. Jester Hairston): Poor Man Laz’rus
(Arr. J.W. Work III): Let the Church Roll On
(Arr. J.W. Work III): Jubilee! Jubilee!
(Arr. Paul T. Kwami): Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
(Arr. H. Johnson): Ain’t Got Time to Die
(Arr. J.W. Work III): Lord, I’m Out Here On Your Word
(Arr. J. Hairston): Hold On
(Arr. Wendell Whalum): Sweet Home
(Arr. M. Hogan): Old Time Religion
(Arr. M. Hogan): The Battle of Jericho
(Arr. William Smith): Ride the Chariot
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RESIDENCY EVENTS
Traditional
(Arr. Brian Schmidt): I Want Jesus to Walk With Me (Introit)
(Arr. Paul T. Kwami): Deep River (Anthem 1)
*Guest Soloist: Dean of Duke Chapel Rev. Dr. Luke Powery
(Arr. Roland Carter): In Bright Mansions Above (Anthem 2)
(Arr. Paul T. Kwami): Give Me Jesus (Choral Blessing)