Burton song cycle blends African American, Anglican musical traditions; piece first performed to celebrate abolition bicentenary
Seventh-day Adventist chorale singers in London say collaborating with the Choir of St. John’s College, Cambridge is a chance to forge both musical and spiritual bonds.
The London Adventist Chorale spent three days in April with the Cambridge University-based choir recording a choral work that merges the groups’ respective African American and Anglican musical traditions.
“Let the Sound of Freedom,” a 14-piece song cycle for two choirs composed by LAC principal conductor Ken Burton, was originally performed last year in celebration of the bicentenary of the abolition of the Slave Trade Act in the United Kingdom.
Then broadcast on BBC Radio, the collaboration drew the attention of English composer and chorale conductor John Rutter, among other musicians and record labels, said Trevor Johnson, LAC assistant manager for Projects and Promotions.
“It is not only the music that impacts,” Johnson said, “but our lifestyle speaks to those with whom we interact both on and off the stage.”
Blending spirituals, close harmony and gospel with English choral influences, the a cappella work features lyrics drawn from memorable speeches and quotes from historical and political figures associated with peace, justice and freedom. Words from Nelson Mandela, Mother Teresa and Mahatma Gandhi are among those quoted.
The work helps portray the Adventist Church as a denomination of people “unafraid to raise their voices against injustice,” Burton said.
The record label EMI and St. John’s Choir’s own label, ARGO, have expressed interest in “Let the Sound of Freedom.” A possible U.S. tour and other media exposure is expected to widen the chorale’s listening audience, said Paul Lee, its general manager.
Founded in 1981, the London Adventist Chorale was named Sainsbury Choir of the Year in 1994 and played for Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace in 2002.