‘Let Freedom Sing!’ set at TPAC Jan. 19

The Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Celebration chorus and Celebration Youth chorus will join together Jan. 19 to honor and celebrate civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The Symphony’s annual “Let Freedom Sing!” concert will begin at 7 p.m. at TPAC’s Jackson Hall. Tickets are $10-$25 and can be ordered by calling 615-255-ARTS.

“Let Freedom Sing!” will begin with a performance of multi-national works such as “Oso Shalom,” “Children of Peace” and “Just One Planet” by Celebration Youth Chorus. “O Freedom,” a staged musical history of the African-American experience featuring conductor Sanchez Harley, writer/narrator Barry Scott and soloist Patti Austin, will follow. This is the second year The Nashville Symphony has performed “Oh Freedom.”

“‘Oh Freedom’ is one of the most poignant and musically compelling productions The Nashville Symphony has ever presented,” says director Alan Valentine. “Sanchez Harley’s scores make excellent use of the orchestra and the acting skills of narrator and writer Barry Scott are extraordinary.”

Winners of The Nashville Symphony’s “Martin Luther King Jr. ‘I Have a Dream?’ Essay Contest,” which is open to Middle Tennessee students in grades 5 through 12, will also be recognized at The Nashville Symphony’s “Let Freedom sing” event.”

“I look forward to this concert every year? it’s always so uplifting and inspiring,” says MLK Steering Committee chairperson Edwina Hefner. “We’re proud to bring ‘Let Freedom Sing!’ to the people of Nashville for the tenth consecutive year.”