Harry T. Burleigh's Annual Service of Negro Spirituals at St. George's Church: A Tribute

March 31, 7:30pm
St. George’s Episcopal Church

African American baritone and composer H.T. Burleigh (1866-1949) is the leader of arranging and publishing the solo concert spiritual and coaching a key generation of musicians including Will Marion Cook, Paul Robeson and Marian Anderson. Burleigh was also an active church musician, working for decades at St. George’s Church in New York City. 

In 1923, St. George’s Church choir performed a service of Negro spirituals featuring Burleigh’s compositions and arrangements. This innovative program was so popular it became a signature event for the church, and was performed annually for over 20 years.

This March 31st at 7:30pm at St. George’s Episcopal Church, the Harry T. Burleigh Society proudly presents a musical tribute to Burleigh and this historic program. Speakers will provide background and context for the Negro spiritual, Burleigh's arrangements and compositions will be performed, and oral history and archival material will illuminate the significance of Burleigh at St. George’s church and his influence on American musical culture.

Eventbrite link: https://htbconcert.eventbrite.com

Video promo: https://vimeo.com/208696870

Live broadcast at 7:30pm on March 31st: https://www.burleighsociety.com/live