THE MOSES HOGAN MEMORIAL FESTIVAL
in Auburn
Who is Moses? Moses George Hogan??
Way after the biblical Moses, and just before there were musical Blues, African American folk songs worked on the railroads, picked bales of cotton, and sang softly in the night. These songs of slaves, also called African American spirituals, were, essentially, songs of tears. While they expressed a spiritual devotion, the songs were drawn from depths of sorrow. Much of the music gives voice to the prayers and anguish of a people, a culture, resonant with undertones of early land development in what not yet had been named 'the land of the free.'
Moses George Hogan (1957 - 2003) was a highly prized director, conductor and master of choral arrangements. An acclaimed African-American pianist, his extensive works celebrated American spirituals, also known as folk songs. His vast library of original arrangements for these songs, opened doors to a greater comprehension and preservation of the African-American musical history. Hogan brought these folk songs to life. With over 70 published works, choirs all over the world select his arrangements for their repertoires.
Music is transformative and informative. In culture, it can pave a pathway, for letting the heart hear what the mind can not. It has the power to pick up pieces of us that are broken and restore places in our collective history that need mending. America bears the scar of slavery. Separateness in culture leaves each of us less than whole, and it's the stories we share and sing that can strike chords that cleanse and inspire the places in our own hearts, longing for wholeness, for freedom.
The program festival will also include performances by the Tuskeegee University Golden Voices Concert Choir, the Smiths Station High School Chamber Choir, and the Chatahochee Valley Community College Concert Choir.
The venue is St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, located on north College Ave, just south of Shug Jorday Pkwy. For further information, visit the Music Department website.
*and reach for some stars * * *
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I hope Moses Hogan is a success. It looks like a great venue and hope you get a great turnout.
I love that, Mara - music gives voice to the prayers and anguish of a people. Hope your Moses Hogan Memorial Festival has a great turnout! Beautiful venue too!
Hi Barbara - Moses Hogan was a huge success, and his legacy lives on in his gifts of choral arrangements. Thanks for stopping by from MO!)
Lori - thank you... The cathedral pictured is not in Auburn, but that would be the most amazing building in the land here, if it were! Have a wonderful weekend!
Hey Mara, are you going to be there? I'd love to be able to attend. GREAT music!
Ann - YES!!! I'm looking forward to soothing my poor soul! I'd love to see you!
Hi Mara! Well, I think I know where you'll be today at 2:00! I love that, 'soothing' your soul comment...music is always a good way to do that, whether alone or with friends/family. It's the universal cure for the blues!
Enjoy the festival and have a joyful weekend as well! Hugs!
Hi Mara, I can only imagine that this was a wonderful event. Music can heal our souls and Moses Hogan's arrangements are a treasure for all Americans, I'm sure.