Director of Choral Activities & Professor of Music Dr. Jeffery Ames concluded his three-year stint as the resident conductor for the Nashville Symphony Orchestra’s annual “Let Freedom Sing” concert, Sunday, Jan. 14, celebrating the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
This year's program, themed “Somehow, Someday, Somewhere,” featured a medley by Black composers such as Florence Price, Adolphus Hailstork and Samuel Coleridge-Taylor. The incomparable crossover vocal artist Rodrick Dixon, who graces operatic and Broadway stages with his powerful tenor voice, performed several pieces including two movements from Ames' original “Requiem for Colour,” which were composed with Dixon in mind. Annually, the community concert utilizes a “choose what you pay” model, making it accessible to all.
“I love being a part of this show produced by the Nashville Symphony Orchestra because of the impact Dr. King had upon the world. Music had an integral part of his life, ministry and calling as a civil rights leader,” Ames said. “During my three-year residency as guest conductor for ‘Let Freedom Sing,’ we have not only celebrated Dr. King’s life, but also dynamic music by classical black composers and this wonderful community we call Nashville.”
In addition to preparing and conducting the Nashville Symphony Orchestra, Ames also rehearsed the “Let Freedom Sing” chorus made up of more than 50 Belmont Choral members, the Celebration Chorus, a group of adult community members, and youth choristers from the nonprofit organization Choral Arts Link.
Ames was interviewed by Nashville Public Radio about the concert.