The City of Sanford’s Public Arts Program and the Arts Council of Moore County invite the community for a night of music at the “Roots and Branches: Celebrating Our Ongoing Musical Traditions” concert.
The concert will be held at the Temple Theatre on Tuesday, April 26 starting at 7:30 p.m. The night will begin with remarks from North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine Marshall. Selections from the W. B. Wicker Elementary Choir will follow.
The region’s rich musical heritage will then be showcased by Chatham County’s well-loved Bluegrass Experience with Keith Thomas. Contemporary gospel and jazz group Together-N-Unity Choir hailing from Cumberland, Moore, and Richmond counties will perform under the direction of Roderick Brower.
The highlight of the evening will be the Brooklyn Art Song Society with musicians from PhiloSonia performing “Songs from the Bleeding Pines” by composer David Ludwig and librettist Ray Owen.
Ludwig, who will be in the audience for the concert, is the dean and director of the Julliard School music division and was named “Top 100 Composers Under Forty” by NPR Music. Owen lives in Southern Pines.
“The City of Sanford Public Arts Program showcases the history of our community,” says program liaison Liz Whitmore. “With this concert, the program offers yet another opportunity to explore and honor our rich heritage, this time focusing on musical performance.”
“We are excited to partner with the City of Sanford on this important evening that brings together artists from across the region to share in the music that makes North Carolina so special,” says Chris Dunn, executive director for the Arts Council of Moore County.
In addition to the City of Sanford Public Arts Program and the Arts Council of Moore County, “Roots and Branches: Celebrating Our Ongoing Musical Traditions” was made possible by the generous support of The Donald & Elizabeth Cooke Foundation.
Admission to the concert is free, but attendees must reserve their seats in advance by contacting the Temple Theatre box office at 919-774-4155.