The Ordering of Moses: Negro Spirituals & Notions of Freedom
2025-01-30 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Dixwell Avenue Congregational Church, 217 Dixwell Avenue, New Haven, CT, 06511
Robert Nathaniel Dett’s The Ordering of Moses should have been a cornerstone of American choral music, celebrated for its fusion of spirituals and classical traditions. Composed in 1937, this oratorio premiered at the Cincinnati May Festival and marked a pivotal moment for Black composers in classical music. However, early performances were overshadowed by racism, with the radio broadcast of the premiere cut short due to complaints from listeners calling into the station.
This curated conversation at Dixwell Congregational Church will explore themes of freedom and resilience through the stories of Moses and American abolitionist Harriet Tubman, uncovering their symbolic connection to composer Robert Nathaniel Dett’s oratorio, The Ordering of Moses, and its historical censorship.
Free Admission

About The Ordering of Moses
Audiences will be treated to an extraordinary celebration of music and history as the New Haven Symphony Orchestra, under the baton of Music Director Perry So, presents Robert Nathaniel Dett’s monumental oratorio, The Ordering of Moses. This seminal performance will take place on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. at Yale University’s Woolsey Hall in New Haven and will be the first time the work will ever be performed in the State of Connecticut.
Click here to learn more about this performance and to buy tickets.
Featuring a massive choir comprising the Fairfield County Chorale, Heritage Chorale of New Haven, and New Haven Chorale, this performance brings together 200 voices to tell the powerful story of Moses leading the Israelites to freedom. Paired with a stellar lineup of vocal soloists (tenor Albert Lee, soprano Amani Cole Felder, mezzo-soprano Krysty Swann, and baritone Kenneth Overton) and guest organist Nathaniel Gumbs, this premiere concert is a historic milestone for the State of Connecticut.

Dixwell Congregational Church: Sunday Service
2023-05-07 11:00 - 12:30
RADIANT VOICES: New Haven Celebrates Composers Florence Price, Margaret Bonds & Helen Hagan
New Haven celebrates the musical brilliance and social impact of three exemplary Black, American women composers of the 20th Century: Florence Price, Margaret Bonds, and New Haven’s own Helen Hagan. Experience and learn more about their stories, music, and impact at free events around New Haven, all culminating with the New Haven Symphony Orchestra’s concert on Friday, May 12 at Southern CT State University.

Sunday Service
Soprano and scholar Dr. Lisa Williamson partners with New Haven Symphony Orchestra musicians Tiffany Wee, Marika Basagoitia, Jennifer Quián-López, Rebecca Patterson, and William Braun to offer an abbreviated program of music by Florence Price, Margaret Bonds, and Helen Hagan as the sermon for the Sunday service at Dixwell Congregational Church, where Helen Hagan served as organist when she was a young girl.
Learn more about Dixwell Congregational Church and their services by clicking here.

HS1-19: Dixwell Avenue Congregational Church
2019-03-24 11:00 - 12:00
Harmony Series concerts are performed in neighborhoods across New Haven and are programmed and planned in collaboration with city residents and community leaders. These chamber music concerts are performed by NHSO rostered musicians and Harmony Fellows. All Harmony Series concerts are all free and open to the public – no tickets or prior registration needed.
Aurora Mendez, violin
Stephan Tieszen, violin
Ellen Higham, viola
Kelsee Vandervall, cello
Musical selections to include:
Villa-Lobos: Choro No. 1
Prokofiev: “Dance of the Knights” from Romeo and Juliet
Bartok: Six Romanian Dances
Piazzolla: Libertango
Mozart: Divertimento
Please note that this performance will be integrated into the church’s 11am service. All are welcome to attend!
