Orchestra X

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Orchestra X
Andrew Morley conductor
[New Music Biennial - Live Recording]
Exploring themes of slavery and freedom, Mighty River combines contemporary classical techniques with spirituals which were introduced to Hull in 1871 by the Fisk Jubilee Singers – an African-American a cappella choir of ex-slaves. The piece, written for orchestra, takes its inspiration from William Wilberforce the English politician, philanthropist and leader of the movement to abolish the slave trade who was, very fittingly, a native of Hull.
This piece is part of New Music Biennial 2017. For more information about the project and to download the New Music Biennial album, please visit our project page: http://www.nmcrec.co.uk/new-music-biennial-2017
Mighty River is supported by the RVW Trust and The Radcliffe Trust. It was commissioned by Rev John and Mrs Carol Wates & produced by Oxford Contemporary Music.
Produced with the support of partners and funders:
The performance of Mighty River was recorded and broadcast live on 1 July 2017 by the BBC at Hull City Hall on BBC Radio 3.