Symphonic Soul at Segerstrom Concert Hall

Experience the electrifying fusion of classical, jazz, blues, and opera with Symphonic Soul, a powerful tribute to African American artists whose contributions have shaped the very heart of American music. Conducted in part by Carl St.Clair, and curated by Debora Wondercheck, this unforgettable concert honors the legacy of African-American musicians, singers, and composers, guiding audiences through a journey from rich classical harmonies to the joyful, uplifting sounds of gospel. With masterful performances that resonate across generations, Symphonic Soul promises an evening of inspiration, celebration, and unity for all who attend.

Program:

COLERIDGE-TAYLOR PERKINSON: Rondo from Sinfonietta No. 1 for Strings
MARGARET BONDS: Montgomery Variations
DUKE ELLINGTON: "Stalking Monster" from Night Creature
Arranged & Orch. by DUANE BENJAMIN: Marian Anderson Medley for contralto and orchestra ("My Country Tis of Thee," "My Soul’s
Been Anchored," "Oh, What a Beautiful City," "He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands")
 ~ Intermission ~
TRADITIONAL: "Hold On"
 Arranged by Sounds of Blackness
REV. MILTON BIGGHAM: "The Lord is Blessing Me"
 Orchestrated by Duane Benjamin
ABEL MEEROPOL: "Strange Fruit"
 Orchestrated by Duane Benjamin & Detrick Bonner
SAM COOKE: "A Change Is Gonna Come"
 Orchestrated by Larry Ball & Duane Benjamin
REGINALD HEBER: "Holy Holy Holy"
 Arranged by Detrick Bonner
KANYE WEST: "Hallelujah"
 Orchestrated by Duane Benjamin
CIVILLA DURFEE MARTIN/CHARLES H. GABRIEL: "His Eye Is On The Sparrow"
 Orchestrated by Duane Benjamin
EUGENE ROGERS/MARK FOSTER: "Glory" from Selma 
 John Stephens (John Legend), Lonnie Lynn (Common), & Che Smith (Rhymefest) 
 Arr. Eugene Rogers

ARTISTS
Carl St.Clair, conductor
Debora Wondercheck, producer, curator, and conductor
Dr. Lesa Terry, artistic director
Duane Benjamin, music director and arranger
Dedrick Bonner, founder/choir director of "The Singers of Soul"
The Singers of Soul
Christina Miles, storyline developer
Chris Smith, dancer
Bruce Cecil, production manager
Pacific Symphony