Oratorio Society Summer Concert - August 3 at Ted Mann Concert Hall

The Artistry of Genius: A Landmark Revival of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor’s Masterworks for Chorus and Orchestra

Includes rare works by British-African Composer not heard in 100 years

On August 3, embark on a live musical journey through time with the University of Minnesota School of Music and the Oratorio Society of Minnesota as they present "The Artistry of Genius: The Music of Samuel Coleridge-Taylor." This concert, part of the Summer Chorus's 18th season, offers a rare opportunity to experience the revival of Coleridge-Taylor's compositions, some of which have not been performed since the early 1900s. The concert features a 125-voice community choir with orchestra and will be conducted by Matthew Mehaffey and Brandon Berger. The concert will feature professional soloists including two-time Grammy Award winner Dashon Burton, Mikalia Bradberry, Linh Kauffman and Victoria Vargas.

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, a composer whose works bridged cultures and continents, left behind a legacy of profound beauty and innovation. Known for his unique compositional voice, his music remains a testament to his creative genius and his ability to convey deep emotional and narrative richness. The evening's program includes unique and rarely heard pieces including "Kubla Khan," "Meg Blane," and "The Atonement," with musical scores that have been painstakingly restored for this concert.

In an extraordinary feat of musical archaeology, Matthew Mehaffey and Dave Fielding have created newly edited scores and materials for these compositions. This concert marks the first performance of these works using the new editions, which are now published by the University of Minnesota Libraries as part of the English Heritage Music Series (EHMS). The works are available for ensembles around the world to explore and perform, ensuring Coleridge-Taylor's music reaches new audiences and generations.

Tickets and Info: Oratorio.org $30/$20, plus $10 livestream option.