Singing a New Song in a Foreign Land: The Spiritual

Dr. Stephen Price outlines the beginnings of the negro-spiritual in the United States through the present day. Initially created as work songs, religious songs, and secret codes to the concert stage, the spiritual genre has gained worldwide interest and represents an art form that many enjoy. What do they tell us about what life was like in pre-civil war America? How have spirituals stood the test of time and have come to be distinctly recognized when heard? The presentation will address these questions and more to help us understand this fascinating art form. Light refreshments provided.